Writing these most disappointing columns has been an exercise in jamming as much as possible below while watching each Bucs game this season. That’s been the theme as Tampa Bay entered Thursday night against the Cowboys at 0-4. It was a little different this time around, with the Bucs playing more inspired football and showing plenty of energy. They won 24-16, but it was far from a clean game.

Here is what was most disappointing in Week 5:

Todd Bowles’ Terrible Game Management

Todd Bowles picked the wrong time to be aggressive.

Up 24-10 with the ball on Dallas’ one-yard line, Tampa Bay went for it over kicking a chip-shot field goal to make it a three-score game. There was no added benefit, as a field goal would have made the game out of reach. Instead, Sean Tucker was stuffed on a goal-line carry, and the Cowboys responded with a 10-play, 99-yard drive to bring it to a one-score game.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Then it came down to the wire when it really shouldn’t have. Bowles is a terrible game manager; over the years, that has been proven. He seemed a little too happy and confident on the sideline pushing his chips in when it was fine to settle for three points here.

What Was This Second Quarter Blunder?

Chase McLaughlin’s status heading into the game was in question as he has dealt with a hip/groin injury. Still, head coach Todd Bowles curiously chose to trot McLaughlin out there with less than four minutes in the second quarter. After choosing not to send him out there against the Packers late to attempt a 65-yard field goal, Bowles decided to have McLaughlin attempt a 61-yarder.

It was good, but the Bucs were called for a delay-of-game penalty, which nullified the kick, and they punted it instead. The decision was made too late, and this is the latest instance of the team finding ways to beat itself.

That was… something.

Bucs Defense On Cowboys Opening Drive

The Bucs made it far too easy for the Cowboys to get comfortable on Thursday night. Tampa Bay’s defense allowed a nine-play, 70-yard drive that concluded with an easy Javonte Williams run up the middle from a yard out.

Cowboys RB Javonte Williams – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

It did not help that David Walker (offsides) and Alex Anzalone (defensive pass interference) were both called for penalties inside the 10-yard line. For a team looking for different results, they made the same errors to begin the game.

OLB Rueben Bain Jr.

Rueben Bain Jr. was not given enough of a platform to ramp up in the preseason. Shoulder and groin injuries have slowed Bain down from living up to the hype he generated this summer, and his disappointing play continued Thursday night.

“Tampa Bain” made minimal impact as a pass rusher and was called for a neutral zone infraction. I seriously doubt he is 100%, and that is affecting how much he can push the pocket and generate pressure and sacks. He hasn’t even shown a glimpse of his traits, which is concerning but still too early to completely judge.

Offensive Line Penalties

Another week, another instance where the Bucs’ offensive line was called for too many penalties. In the first half alone, Luke Goedeke and Ben Bredeson were called for offensive holding while Tristan Wirfs drew a false start. Goedeke was later called for a false start in the third quarter, with Ben Bredeson drawing another holding call and a false start. He is bad right now. Seeing so many penalties up front is getting tiring.

Penalty flag – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Todd Bowles and Zac Robinson won’t be happy to see this, as this played a part in the team being called for 14 penalties.

CB Ayden Garnes

Ayden Garnes had an impressive preseason and made the team as an undrafted free agent. While Garnes made plays just about every day, that did not carry over when he saw the field in the fourth quarter. He subbed in on a second-and-10, with Dak Prescott taking advantage by targeting him. Garnes did not sink enough in his drop to cover Pickens, allowing him to score a 17-yard touchdown.