The Dallas Cowboys are up 10-7 against the Buccaneers at halftime on Thursday Night Football, but man, watching them felt like they were still reeling from that wild travel schedule. This team looked straight up jet-lagged after a game in Brazil on September 27th, then a trip to Houston for an early Sunday game, and now tonight’s matchup. Seriously, you can practically hear the groans from the Dallas faithful.
Are the Cowboys Even Awake?
It’s one thing to have a lead, but it’s another to have one that feels completely unearned. Dallas is ahead 10-7 despite putting together what the broadcast called an “unimpressive half of football.” Think about this: their offense has been grinding in previous games, playing 71 and 73 snaps against the Ravens and Texans, respectively. But tonight, they’ve had the ball for only 10 minutes and 31 seconds in the first half! They scored on just two of their five possessions. Javonte Williams did punch in a 1-yard run after the opening kickoff, and Brandon Aubrey hit a 41-yard field goal right before the half, but those were the only real highlights. Dak Prescott is 9-of-20 for 114 yards, Williams has just 32 yards on seven carries, and CeeDee Lamb has a single catch for 4 yards. George Pickens has three catches for 36. Not exactly lighting it up.
The Winless Bucs Are Making Noise
Here’s the kicker, though: these Buccaneers are winless, and yet they’re outgaining Dallas 154-146 in total yards. This isn’t just a quiet lead for Dallas, it’s a messy one. Jalon Daniels, stepping in for the injured Baker Mayfield for his second consecutive start, is looking solid, going 12-of-16 for 91 yards. He even threw a 5-yard touchdown to Bucky Irving, who’s also chipped in with 35 rushing yards on nine carries. Chris Godwin is having a decent night with three catches for 37 yards. And can we talk about Chase McLaughlin? He absolutely bombed a 61-yard field goal in the second quarter. This winless Bucs squad is making things much harder than anyone expected, and they’ve shown they can move the ball.
The second half is about to kick off. Dallas has got to shake off the travel fog and actually play like the team they are supposed to be. If not, these winless Buccaneers are proving they’ve got enough fight to make this a legitimate nail-biter. Big plays are still on the table, and who knows which way this one goes.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
Leave a Reply