Ira Kaufman’s 10 Takeaways From Bucs-Cowboys
October 9th, 2026
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
Admit it.
The only people who thought the Bucs had a chance to win this game were the ones boarding Wednesday’s charter flight out of Tampa, headed for Dallas (and about 14 percent of Bucs fans).
Vegas oddsmakers had established the Cowboys as prohibitive favorites for good reason. The NFC’s only winless club was on the road on a short week with an undrafted rookie quarterback. Instead, the visitors rose off the mat and delivered a 24-16 knockout punch that stunned a national TV audience.
While Jalon Daniels showed admirable poise under center, Bucky Irving broke loose time and again behind an offensive line that had showed little physicality through four weeks. Special teams supplied a key takeaway and Tampa Bay’s Big D excelled in Big D.
The game was decided in the third quarter, when the Bucs erased a 10-7 halftime deficit by blitzing the Cowboys 17-0. Overcoming 14 penalties on the road, Tampa Bay won the turnover battle 3-0 and may have won back some fans disenchanted by an 0-4 start.
The Bucs now have extra time to prepare for an Oct. 18 home game against the Steelers, hoping to carry over momentum built with a powerful prime-time performance. Tampa Bay dominated time of possession and virtually shut down a high-powered attack after Dallas went up 7-0 on the game’s opening possession.
The Cowboys made things interesting following a foolish decision by the Bucs to bypass a chip-shot FG that would have put them up by three scores in the fourth quarter. Instead, the Cowboys made a fourth-down stop at their 1-yard line and embarked on a 99-yard drive that didn’t use up nearly enough time.
Then the Cowboys showed they weren’t the only club to make a dumb call as they went for a 2-point conversion that failed. Alex Anzalone’s diving interception snuffed out the final Dallas chance, but not before Daron Bland, who posted five pick-6s in 2023, dropped another one in his hands for the Cowboys on one of Johnson’s rare mistakes on the evening.
Here’s why the Bucs deserved to pull off a huge upset that left Jerry Jones enraged and nearly put a smile on the face of Todd Bowles:
* Irving recaptured his 2024 rookie form, dodging defenders and breaking tackles while running for 165 yards on his 21 carries. The highlight was a 72-yard dash that showed every Dallas player and fan that the Bucs came to play.
* Daniels showed marked improvement from his NFL debut a week ago, completing 19-of-25 passes. He found Tez Johnson wide-ass open for a 64-yard gain and stayed calm in the pocket to hit Emeka Egbuka for 21 yards on a critical third-and-21 play. There’s no reason to rush Baker Mayfield back against the Steelers unless the medical staff deems his dislocated right thumb is fully healed.
* Tampa Bay’s embattled offensive line overcame an array of flags to impose its will against a struggling Dallas defense. Johnson was well protected and the group opened gaping holes for a 241-yard ground game.
* Second-year cornerback Jacob Parrish was all over the field in a bravura performance. He registered a team-high nine tackles and broke up four passes as the Bucs took CeeDee Lamb (two catches for nine yards) out of the game.
Game-changing special teams.
* Miles Killebrew, signed primarily for his prowess on special teams, made Danny Smith proud with a forced fumble on a kickoff return. Huge play.
* Zac Robinson turned in his best game as offensive coordinator as the Bucs converted 7-of-13 on third down and kept Dallas defenders off balance. Of course, it helps when Irving is running wild, but Robinson appeared in command all night.
* The Bucs are getting little from top draft pick Rueben Bain, but David Walker is emerging as a dynamic pass rusher. He needs to be on the field on every passing down by the opposition.
* Buc fans craving enthusiasm had to be thrilled with the passion shown by a team that could have mailed it in. Irving, in particular, seemed to be energized from the start and his teammates couldn’t help but notice.
* If the Bucs suffer a fourth consecutive home loss in 10 days, nobody will remember what they just did to the Cowboys. But maybe, just maybe, they will look at the film and realize that 0-4 start isn’t who they are. Wouldn’t it be nice to put a scowl on the face of Aaron Rodgers in front of all those Steelers fans in the house?
* Bowles desperately needed a game like this to quiet his many detractors, at least for a while. The fact is this defense has played well enough to win the past three weeks. The difference on Thursday night was the relentless Irving, who kept the chains moving while providing the Bucs with more than 39 minutes of possession time.
October 9th, 2026 at 1:02 am
I definitely thought this game would be a big loss. Just goes to remind “any given Sunday” still applies even though it was TNF. and I never have seen Bucs win on TNF. Bucky ran wild all night and Jalon was disciplined. Defense was good. Bowles made a bad call not taking the field goaal. nice to get a win. I feel less irritated with the Glazers, Bowles and Licht. Go Bucs!
October 9th, 2026 at 1:03 am
Keep winning….I dare you!
October 9th, 2026 at 1:04 am
We are 1-0 in the 2nd quarter of this long season ! Keep baker in the bench and trade him to Minnesota the future is here š¤·š¾āāļø
October 9th, 2026 at 1:11 am
ā¦ dropped another one in his hands for the Cowboys on one of Johnsonās rare mistakes on the evening.
Johnson was well protected and the group opened gaping holes for a 241-yard ground game.
Johnson??? I know itās late Sage.
October 9th, 2026 at 1:25 am
Everybody saying Bowles made a bad call on the 4th & 1 play when the abu s were up 14ā¦
Iāll be honestā¦
I FREAKEN LOVED THE CALL!!
Bowles has been known to be disconnected and ultra-conservative and not take chances.
Bucs were pounding the ball down Dallasās throat in the run game and Bowles really wanted to put his foot on Dallasās throat and seal the deal here.
Yeah it didnāt work out, but Iām not mad at all with the call.
Remember, hindsight is always 20/20.
Big Balls Bowles on that play-call!!
We still won the game so letās focus on the positives!!
October 9th, 2026 at 1:28 am
Glad we got the win. Unlike some, I’ll never root for the Bucs to lose a game.
BUT, not taking the 3 points is a fireable offense, even with the outcome. And gives me ZERO confidence in Bowles to make the right call the next time a game is on the line.
That’s pop warner stuff right there!!!
October 9th, 2026 at 1:42 am
I had em beating Pittsburgh at home, and being 2-4. Though, I had them squeaking-out an UGLY 17-16 āwinā at home against Cleveland, and LOSING in front of a ānationalā audience in Big-D. Also, I had them being 2-6 and heading to Chicago, right before the ātrade-deadlineā and going into the Bye-Week. So, donāt start getting any DELUSIONSā¦ This franchise has to be big-time āSELLERSā at the deadline. EVERY available piece with ANY value whatsoever. And, YESā¦ I had them losing at Chicago, and 2-7. 3-6 at best, and if itās MYSELFā¦ 4-5 changes absolutely NOTHING. Cause, it is what it is and it has to be DONE. Still, even though, they are ALL incompetent, incapable, clueless, CLOWNS. Itās called REALITY.
October 9th, 2026 at 1:44 am
I voted Yes in the Joes pregame poll today that we were going to beat the Cowgirls.
Why? I had confidence in Jalon Daniels. He’s the Truth, I’m telling you guys. He’s better than Baker, I promise you that.
October 9th, 2026 at 1:49 am
Fourth and One… After playing strong in the trenches all night, you finish the drive, and go for the knockout. Second-guessing this is weakness.
October 9th, 2026 at 1:53 am
Ira, I think Bowles’ detractors should be even louder after this game because of that boneheaded decision to not kick the field goal to seal the game.
We won in spite of Bowles’ terrible decision-making. He’s a terrible HC, but at least our defense is playing a little better this year.
October 9th, 2026 at 2:31 am
I had them doing this… I had them doing that…. Jesus Christ, no one cares. Why do people insist on reminding us about predictions They supposedly made that no one is going to look up and no one cares about. It’s rampant on this blog. So many posters.. you know who you are, feel the need. I guess to puff up their chests about their supposed predictions. We just won a big game. Plenty of stuff to talk about there. FFS…
October 9th, 2026 at 2:54 am
Bowles still should be fired. Passing up the late field goal was the kiss of death and coaching malpractice once again on display. Should have went up three scores. But no you have a horrible coach you find ways to lose. The next possession they let the rookie qb throw it on third and long, should have been a pick six to tie the game. How many penalties did the bucs get. Only to be bailed out by dallas penaties
Reality bowles got lucky. He got out poorly coached by Dallas coaching staff. Not blitzing the young qb on passing downs , penalties. And turn overs
They won finally, but bowles still has to go
October 9th, 2026 at 4:12 am
I understand that, with the Bucs having a 14 point lead, kicking the field goal makes the Cowboys need three scores to tie or win rather than only needing only two scores to tie or win.
But, if you attempt to kick the field goal, you are saying that you are an 0-4 team ahead in a game that you don’t believe that you should be winning, and you may as well write off the season from a morale perspective.
Bowles, delusional or not, was right to say that his team is better than its 0-4 start, and that it deserves to be winning the game that it has a 14 point lead in, and that this is the start of something that is going to keep going the right way.
Now, as to the actual play call, Otton in motion attacking the left end with Tucker going straight up the gut against a run blitz up the middle – that was dumber than dirt!
But, at that point in the season, go for the TD if you believe in the team at all!
October 9th, 2026 at 4:30 am
Funny GB kept going for it on 4th down at our goal line last week and guess what they scored. Itās a hero or zero call. I liked the call but the timeout killed their momentum. Gave Dallas a chance and to catch their breath. If we had gotten one more foot everyone would be proud of the brave call. It is what it is.
October 9th, 2026 at 5:43 am
When was the last Tim the Bucs converted a 3rd and 21? That was sweet! So was the Tez completion and the Bucky 73 yard scamper.
October 9th, 2026 at 5:47 am
O line oline penalties are still unacceptable. They should be five starters should be brought in for a specious practice this week and be made to run wind sprints until they drop
October 9th, 2026 at 7:00 am
Iām reminded that Thursday night games are almost always strange with odd ball plays. Diaby remaining sackless but a ping pong floating balloon right into his mitts for example. Turd Ferguson gifting AA a lifeline on a season otherwise lousy by the āprizedā defensive free agent.
Felt more like a Dallas loss (theyāre awful ) than a Buc win. Itās games like these that somehow give The Glazers āreasonā to retain The Bright Licht.
Had Bowles kicked the FG for a 3 score lead ( is it me or does he go conservative when the situation calls for aggression and foolishly aggressive when the situation calls for ātaking the pointsā? ) Iād probably enjoy this win more. They tried their very best to lose at the endā¦but the football gods showed mercy on the 0-4 squad.
Bucky was unbelievable! He was used a bit too much for his own good but looked great. His performance was inspiring.
October 9th, 2026 at 7:02 am
The failure to call timeout earlier in the game when Chase was lined up to kick a 61 yarder resulting in a delay of game took potential points off the board also. That was another coaching blunder. Thankfully that didnāt affect the outcome. Happy to get that first win!
October 9th, 2026 at 7:02 am
Another big difference was great QB play
October 9th, 2026 at 7:15 am
A coach willing to make good fourth down decisions at critical times is a trait that Bowles has lacked IMO. Tucker has made enough TD’s in this situation to
believe he could do it again. NO problem with call , I would for one , believe his conservative nature on fourth and short has not been helpful for the team’s success and morale.
October 9th, 2026 at 7:16 am
I am glad the Bucs protected their Johnsons. Good win. OL needs to clean up the penalties.
October 9th, 2026 at 8:04 am
God it feels good to be wrong! Hell of a performance, the team showed guts and grit. Letās sting a few Ws together
October 9th, 2026 at 8:11 am
When you’re 0 and 4 you GO for it
October 9th, 2026 at 8:13 am
Bucfan1988 Says:
Everybody saying Bowles made a bad call on the 4th & 1 play when the abu s were up 14ā¦
Iāll be honestā¦
I FREAKEN LOVED THE CALL!!
Bowles has been known to be disconnected and ultra-conservative and not take chances.
– – – – – – – – – – – – –
YES. I completely agree. So out of character for Bowles. Maybe this will help him be more aggressive.
This unexpected win is HUGE for the players.
October 9th, 2026 at 8:16 am
Melvin:
“they are ALL incompetent, incapable, clueless, CLOWNS. Itās called REALITY.”
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
As far as I can see, you are the only CLOWN here Melvin.
You write so much sh!t thinking anyone cares about your opinion, laughable.
October 9th, 2026 at 8:34 am
but boy that Dallas defense is bad
October 9th, 2026 at 8:49 am
Everyone criticizing Bowels for going for the touchdown needs to stop. If you have a 200 pound RB(Sean Tucker), your offensive line should be able to pick up ONE yardā¦ That touchdown wouldāve been the kill shot. Kudos to Bowels for shedding his Mr. Conservative persona (which many of you criticize) and being aggressive.
I understand the logic of both choices. If you kick the field goal, itās a 3 score game but that 3 score game is a little misleading. Itās really only 17 points, which is not a lot in the NFL, especially with a team like the Cowboys. 21 points is much different. Besides, if you donāt score the touchdown, youāre still up by 14 and they have to start from their own one yard line. The way your defense has been playing the entire game, you wouldnāt expect Dallas to go 99 yards in 3 minutes(They did and thatās the real problem), and so rolling the dice is in your favor. Go for the kill, donāt make it, we have you pinned downā¦
I was okay with either decision. Good win last night.
Oh yeah, the kid is playing better than Bakerā¦š
October 9th, 2026 at 9:02 am
We will take it.. loved the energy from Irving and yes David walker needs to play
October 9th, 2026 at 9:44 am
They played extremely well, and I think they have finally found their groove.. The test comes next week.. if they play well, they will be fine… I think Todd is on to something here.. lets not give up the ship
October 9th, 2026 at 11:14 am
Bucs 78 … ‘Fourth and Oneā¦ After playing strong in the trenches all night, you finish the drive, and go for the knockout. Second-guessing this is weakness.’
Toopanca … ‘Now, as to the actual play call, Otton in motion attacking the left end with Tucker going straight up the gut against a run blitz up the middle ā that was dumber than dirt!
But, at that point in the season, go for the TD if you believe in the team at all!’
I agree with both of you … go for the knockout. But as Toopanca wrote, the actual play call was ‘dumber than dirt’.
Bucs had a 1st-and-goal at the Dallas 10-yard line. We gained 3 yds on Bucky’s run up the middle, then 4 yds on Daniels’ scramble, then 2 yds on his short pass to Egbuka. Bringing up the 4th-and-1 when they brought in Tucker, lined him up about 99 yds deep behind Daniels (OK, maybe it was only 10 yds deep), and then ran him up the middle … for essentially no gain. Any of us can think of about 100 different plays that could’ve worked a lot better in that situation. And personally I would’ve kept Bucky in there.
October 9th, 2026 at 11:19 am
I think going for it on 4th wasn’t the bad call so many think it is, I am ok with a aggressive mistake.
October 9th, 2026 at 11:47 am
I can accept aggressive calls in that situation. Fail to score and you have achieved the perfect punt: pinning the opposition at the 1-yard line.
What is harder to fathom is too many times the calls from Bowles are too passive. 3-28, Cooper Kupp and et al.
I thought it was a good decision at the time.
October 9th, 2026 at 1:02 pm
2026 greetings Ira. I didn’t listen last night so am reading all the reviews. Bowles made the right call on that 4th down. This young team needed that vote of confidence. They got it. Why do you think Anzalone grabbed that pic? Cos the D was on a mission to win. That they did. And the penalties? Yeah, if that ain’t SOP in the Cowjerks’ crib, then I lost my hearing. The Bucs still won. I just LOVED reading about Jerry the Jerk’s gigantic hissy fit at the game’s end. That made it all worthwhile for me. Good to be reading you again. I do miss Gene D though. Go Bucs 10-18!! Beat the Steelers cos they are beatable.