Buccaneers-Cowboys 'TNF' takeaways: Previously winless Tampa Bay exposes Dallas

Just days after pulling out a comeback win in Joey Porter Jr.'s debut, the Dallas Cowboys failed to be at their best on "Thursday Night Football." And having to play without Porter, as he was reportedly dealing with an illness, the Cowboys fell 24-16 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Thursday night's result further exposed the Cowboys as being vulnerable against anyone, even an underhanded Buccaneers team with a rookie starting under center. While the Cowboys gave up the second-fewest points they've allowed in game all season, it was Dak Prescott and the offense letting the team down and causing their record to drop to a troubling 2-3. 

Conversely, the much-needed win keeps some hope alive for the Buccaneers, who entered the game winless at 0-4. 

Key takeaway: Dallas' offense can't afford to have an "off" night 

For the Cowboys to contend in 2026, they needed the defense to step up and improve upon their struggles from last season. That hasn't happened enough throughout this season and is a big reason why Dallas sits in third place in the NFC East. However, it did on Thursday. 

The Buccaneers being without two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield helped the Cowboys defense, which did allow 417 yards of total offense. Dallas also only let Jalon Daniels throw for 189 yards. 

Dallas' defensive effort wasn't perfect, but it will never be perfect, and the offense failed to reach 20 points for the first time all season, needing a fourth-quarter touchdown to even exceed 10.  

Prescott, a four-time Pro Bowler with four 4,000-plus-yard seasons, including 2025, to his name, endured his worst outing of the year so far. He completed only 24-of-42 passes, though he did throw for 316 yards. But Prescott tossed two costly interceptions, most notably one to end Dallas' final possession and comeback attempt.