Cowboys vs. Buccaneers: Full Report Card Grades for Dallas

After having their weaknesses exploited on Sunday Night Football last week against the New York Giants in their second loss of the season, the Dallas Cowboys needed to rebound in a big way in Week 15. The problem is that the Cowboys needed this rebound victory against one of the hottest teams in football in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Cowboys opened the game with a nice drive. Dak Prescott looked more comfortable after a difficult game last week. Ezekiel Elliott got off to his typical play, picking up yardage with ease. However, as the Cowboys got deep in Tampa Bay territory, mental mistakes and penalties led to a halt to their drive. Dan Bailey was brought in to connect on a 56-yard field goal. However, his kick was short and, that gave the Buccaneers great territory.

Jameis Winston and company got into Dallas territory after a big pass interference penalty on Brandon Carr. After Byron Jones made a big pass breakup on third down, the Bucs were forced to kick a short field goal and Roberto Aguayo connected, putting Tampa Bay up three.

Dallas responded with an 11-play, 65-yard drive that, again, brought the offense deep inside Tampa Bay territory. However, a penalty on Doug Free stalled the drive, and the Cowboys were forced to settle for three points. On the first play of the following drive for the Buccaneers, Terrell McClain got pressure on Winston and forced a strip-sack that was recovered by rookie Maliek Collins deep inside Tampa Bay territory. Five plays later, the Cowboys took the lead with a two-yard touchdown run from Elliott.

Tampa Bay’s drive in response to the Cowboys’ touchdown was a quick drive that went for just four yards on three plays. Dallas capitalized on the field possession and scored yet another touchdown after Prescott’s two-yard …

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