The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally shed their winless streak, stunning the Dallas Cowboys 24-16 on the road, but it was the play of undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels that stole the show and has everyone talking. This win, coming on short rest against a team with a dreadful defense, isn’t just a notch in the win column, it instantly cools coach Todd Bowles’ hot seat and gets the Bucs back into the mix in a division where literally no team has a winning record. Seriously, how wild is that?
The Undrafted Rookie Who’s Balling Out
Jalon Daniels, the kid from Kansas who nobody drafted, put on a clinic in just his second start, filling in for the injured Baker Mayfield. He completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards, tossed one touchdown, and didn’t turn the ball over once. Think about that: 76% completion percentage, clean sheet on turnovers. He also scrambled seven times for 23 yards, using his legs to extend plays and keep drives alive. Coach Bowles was absolutely gushing about him after the game, saying Daniels “learned so much from his first start,” was “determined to play better,” and “played within himself.” Bowles praised his smart, decisive throws, knowing when to run, and managing the huddle. He straight up said, “I can’t say enough about him. He did a great job.”
This dude got passed over 257 times in the draft, with ten other quarterbacks taken before him. Now he’s the first one from his class to actually start a game, and his poise and productivity are probably making a bunch of scouting departments sweat. Daniels himself said he looks at it like he’s “a rookie going out there and just trying to be able to make plays,” emphasizing that remembering where he came from is his “main motivation.” Talk about a chip on your shoulder, right? Bowles expects Daniels to start again on October 18 when the Buccaneers host the Pittsburgh Steelers, though Baker Mayfield, who’s missed two games with a fractured thumb, is making progress and could push for a return.
Beyond the QB: Run Game Erupts, Defense Steps Up
It wasn’t just Daniels carrying the load. The run game absolutely exploded, racking up 241 yards rushing and averaging a ridiculous 6.2 yards per carry. Bucky Irving was nearly unstoppable, churning out 165 yards on his own, including a monster 72-yarder. Bowles gave major props to Irving’s ability to avoid tackles and the offensive line for their blocking. He said Irving “brought a different energy” and gave them a “huge spark.”
On defense, rookie cornerback Zyon McCollum was straight up locking it down. He was targeted only twice and allowed zero receptions going against guys like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. That’s a serious performance. Bowles credited McCollum’s commitment to watching more film, saying he’s now “recognizing formations, recognizing what guys are trying to do to him, looking at splits more, seeing down and distance,” which is making the game “a lot easier and a lot looser and a lot smarter” for him.
However, it wasn’t all perfect. The team still needs to clean up their discipline, getting hit with 14 penalties in this game after being plagued by mistakes all season. And on the flip side, edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., the No. 15 overall pick, was ineffective in his first game back from a groin injury and still has no sacks. That’s a spot they need more from.
So, what’s next? The Bucs head home to host the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 18. Will Daniels continue to prove he’s the real deal and cement his spot, or will Mayfield be back in the picture? Either way, the team is finally off the schneid, and suddenly, their division looks wide open. This could be a huge turning point for them.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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