Sunday Night Football: Cooper Rush and CeeDee Lamb Propel Cowboys to 23-14 Halftime Lead|
Cowboys Take Commanding 23-14 Halftime Lead Over Buccaneers Despite Playoff Elimination
Even though the Dallas Cowboys were officially out of playoff contention earlier in the day, there was no sign that they were going to slow down as they dominated the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and headed into halftime with a 23-14 lead.
Dallas outgained Tampa Bay 243-194 in total yards, while quarterback Cooper Rush threw for 226 yards. But wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was the recipient of six catches for 100 yards and now has reached 100 receptions for the season, after leading the league last year with 135 catches.
Rush was sharp, going 18 of 24, one of those a 10-yard touchdown to Jalen Tolbert. Another score to Lamb was overturned on replay and ruled a 10-yard catch, but that led to a 1-yard scoring run by Ezekiel Elliott with 1:45 left in the half.
Lamb went out of the game for a few plays after reaggravating a shoulder injury on a 52-yard reception but came back in shortly after being listed as questionable.
Dallas scored on five of its six first-half possessions, punting only once after a three-and-out. Kicker Brandon Aubrey, one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers, delivered two impressive 58-yard field goals along with a 49-yarder.
The Buccaneers’ scoring came from Bucky Irving’s 2-yard touchdown run and a late first-half push capped by Jalen McMillan’s 11-yard touchdown catch. The score came at the end of a seven-play, 71-yard drive, cutting Dallas’ lead to nine points.
Baker Mayfield was solid in the pocket, completing 14 of 19 for 142 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Mike Evans caught four for 59 yards, which will keep his hopes for a fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season alive. He must average 84 yards per game in the final three games.
Irving tacked on eight carries for 47 yards on the ground for Tampa Bay.
Both teams are concerned with injuries, Buccaneers safety Kaevon Merriweather (knee) and Cowboys offensive lineman Matt Waletzko (knee), both questionable to return.
