The saying goes that everything is bigger in Texas, and the Bucs had a big primetime game facing the Cowboys. A fifth straight win would allow them to continue controlling their own destiny with two home games remaining this season. Facing quarterback Cooper Rush and a team eliminated from playoff contention, this lined up to be another game Tampa Bay could take rather convincingly.

Instead, they headed into the second half down 23-14 and failed to lift themselves from their bootstraps, falling 26-24 on Sunday night. This game did not go as expected, as there were plenty of disappointing players and moments.

First-Quarter Bucs Offense

Bucs OC Liam Coen – Photo by: Jeffrey Jones/PR

Coming into Week 16, the Bucs’ offense was tied with the Cardinals for the most opening-drive touchdowns in the league with seven. Not only did Tampa Bay not score in the first quarter, but they struggled to match what Cooper Rush was doing on the other side.

There was a combination of factors, such as Sterling Shepard’s big fourth-down drop, but questionable offensive play-calling left the unit stuck in the mud going into the second quarter.

Baker Mayfield completed 5-of-8 passes for 34 yards, with no targets going Mike Evans’ way. Instead, Mayfield found Payne Durham twice and Trey Palmer for his first catch since Week 12.

What about the run game?

Bucky Irving and Rachaad White had a carry apiece across two offensive drives in the opening quarter, combining for just seven yards. Deviating from the success they have had by not running it more or targeting Mike Evans did not help them as they attempted to climb out of an early hole.

Stopping A Banged-Up CeeDee Lamb

Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb and CB Zyon McCollum – Photo by: USA Today

It started off promising.

After the first quarter, CeeDee Lamb was held to just three catches for four receiving yards. Then, Lamb started getting yards in chunk plays. His 34-yard catch where he beat Jamel Dean on a crossing route set up a Brandon Aubrey field goal. On the next drive, he set up a score by making a contested 52-yard catch with Zyon McCollum draped all over him and called for defensive holding.

Leaving the game briefly with a right shoulder injury, he returned to make a 10-yard catch that allowed Ezekiel Elliott to punch it in and make it a 20-7 game. Despite not playing much afterward, Lamb still finished the game with seven catches for 105 yards.

RB Rachaad White

Rachaad White had the chance to make something happen with less than two minutes left in a close 26-24 game. Baker Mayfield escaped multiple defenders and pitched it to White, who caught it and started to head up field. Instead of making magic, he fumbled the ball and that allowed the Cowboys to seal the win.

What could have been…

Bucs’ Tackling

Bucs CB Jamel Dean and S Christian Izien and Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb – Photo by: USA Today

Yikes.

The Bucs’ tackling was one of the biggest disappointments in the first half against the Cowboys. Regardless of the opponent, they needed to be on their Ps and Qs in Dallas, but they let guys get past them with sloppy tackling that allowed various players to pick up yards after the catch. That made Cooper Rush’s life easier and harder for the defense to climb out of the holes they dug themselves in.

DB Christian Izien

I pointed out tackling above, but who was most at fault? One can look at Christian Izien, who missed quite a few opportunities to wrap up ballcarriers. In addition, Izien also had a few coverage busts. Despite leading the team with 13 total tackles, this was a case where watching the box score tells a different story than how he played.

ILB Lavonte David In Coverage

Lavonte David remains a productive part of the Bucs’ defense, having eclipsed 100 total tackles while posting 5.5 sacks this season. For as good as David is going forward, he has taken a step back (literally) in his coverage ability.

Continually, he was beaten up the middle and allowed a 10-yard touchdown to Jalen Tolbert in the first half. At 34 years old, he no longer has the acceleration, speed and change of direction to hang with opposing wide receivers and tight ends. He makes up for it with splash plays and his still above-average tackling ability, but this was a game where he was exploited in pass defense.

Bucs Pass Rush Against Cooper Rush

Cowboys QB Cooper Rush – Photo by: USA Today

Another factor that allowed Cooper Rush to have plenty of success was the lack of a consistent pass rush. In the first half, Cooper Rush completed 18 of his 24 passes for 226 passing yards and a touchdown. Rush was able to get into a rhythm because of the Bucs’ failure to get after him. Calijah Kancey and Yaya Diaby teamed up for one sack, but that was it.

Otherwise, they did not bring the opposing quarterback down or force him into poor decisions. This was a big opportunity to dictate the game, especially as the Cowboys have dealt with injuries along their offensive line. They did not make the most of it.

WR Sterling Shepard

After having one of the most unique Sunday Night Football player introductions, one wanted to root for Sterling Shepard tonight.

Quickly though, Shepard disappointed in a crucial early-game moment.

On fourth-and-3 from the Dallas 48-yard line, Liam Coen kept the offense on the field. Baker Mayfield found his veteran wide receiver who was open across the middle, but he dropped it.

His drop turned the ball over and gave the Cowboys’ offense a short field to put together a touchdown drive. This play did not help him. It was a quiet game for him before he left with a hamstring injury in the third quarter.

TE Payne Durham

Taking over for Cade Otton, who was ruled out with a knee injury, Payne Durham had a chance to make the most of his first chance at extended snaps. Durham did not do much as a receiving threat, averaging just 5.8 yards per catch, with his longest catch going for only seven yards. He also struggled as a run blocker and picking up his assignments throughout the game. At this point, he fails to offer much as a receiver, blocker, or red zone threat.