Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images Jerry Jones was happy for Mike McCarthy after Sunday night’s win, but in true Jerry fashion did not offer any word on his future. The Dallas Cowboys took care of business on Sunday night and in the process impressed a lot of people. How Dallas played against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was certainly something that many people doubted this team was capable of doing. The Cowboys were physical, hungry and in just about every way the better unit against a Buccaneers team that entered the game on a four-game winning streak and with a mission to solidify their position in the NFC South. Unfortunately for the Cowboys they were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs on Sunday afternoon, hours before they kicked off, so the win is understandably a bit hollow. This makes judging how “impressive” it was difficult for most people. You can count Jerry Jones among those who is making understanding it all difficult. Following the game, Jerry spoke in a very supportive manner of his head coach; however, Jerry declined to offer any insight beyond Sunday night. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was very complimentary of Mike McCarthy after the game, but he declined to provide any insight into how he will determine the future of the team’s head coaching position after the season. “Just so we’re clear, all I can say is what good of a job he’s… — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 23, 2024 You would think that if Jerry seriously wanted McCarthy back that he would offer him a wave of support and declare it now. That is not how Jerry Jones operates, though. Perhaps Jerry is prepared to move on and cannot be swayed by the emotions of any would-be “impressive” victory. Or maybe Jerry just wants the attention that will come from the questions surrounding McCarthy’s status. For now we will continue to wait. With the Cowboys officially not going to the playoffs we know that we are just a couple of weeks away from these decisions having to be made.

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images Jourdan Lewis had an unbelievable interception on Sunday night that helped the Cowboys win their game. The Dallas Cowboys won their fourth game in their last five contests on Sunday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the list of reasons why is extremely long. It was a phenomenal effort from just about everybody involved on the Cowboys side, both on offense and defense. While the day began for Dallas by being mathematically eliminated from the playoffs you would have no idea based on how they played. That sort of disposition has sort of described Jourdan Lewis for all of his career. Lewis exemplified that yet again on Sunday night with one of the most incredible interceptions you will ever see. JOURDAN LEWIS!!!! (via @dallascowboys) pic.twitter.com/N6vVSRSDsD — Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) December 23, 2024 One of the craziest INTs you’ll ever see pic.twitter.com/CXeNkXJzYd — NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2024 This was one of those “how did he come down with it?!” moments when Lewis emerged with the ball. As noted, Lewis has been an always-keep-fighting kind of player for the Cowboys ever since they drafted him. He has had quite the career. While the Cowboys did not ice the game right after the interception the turnover did help keep Tampa at bay (no pun intended). What a moment from Jourdan Lewis!

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports The Dallas Cowboys had a great first half against Tampa Bay. 2nd Quarter The Cowboys punted shortly after the quarter began and this time around the Buccaneers made it a point to draw blood. Tampa’s drive traveled 57 total yards, many of which were by way of an incredible Mike Evans catch, before Bucky Irving ultimately reached the endzone to make the game 10-7. Bucky Irving too quick for six! : #TBvsDAL on NBC/Peacock : Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/SKUyN02Uhs — NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2024 Dallas picked up a nice chunk of yardage on their next possession thanks to a huge play from Cooper Rush to CeeDee Lamb. In the first half alone there were several big plays happening across both sides. Unfortunately the Cowboys had to settle for another field goal attempt. It wasn’t quite 58 yards, it was 49, but it was nevertheless good from Brandon Aubrey. The Cowboys defense made sure to stand tall on their next drive and forced another punt. Look at third down, though. Chauncey Golston got the sack, but Carl Lawson! Chauncey Golston sacks Baker on 3rd down! : #TBvsDAL on NBC/Peacock : Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/QYSgKEC7at — NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2024 You will recall that Dallas took the opening kickoff after winning the toss. This inherently put some pressure on this next possession for them to score as it in all likelihood would be some time before they would even have the ball again. When you need something great to happen, call CeeDee Lamb. CeeDee Lamb forever and ever (via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/jENFXfi2Z8 — Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) December 23, 2024 CeeDee appeared to go down hard on this play which was certainly not great to see given the shoulder ailment he has been battling. He did appear to be okay shortly after. Lamb had another tough catch almost immediately after that put the Cowboys right on the goal line. At that moment it was time to call in Ezekiel Elliott, who had no issue scoring. Feed Zeke! : #TBvsDAL on NBC/Peacock : Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ovKDbasvX1 — NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2024 The Buccaneers got to work and did so very quickly, the quickest of anyone on the night. Tampa traveled 71 yards on 7 plays in under a minute of game clock and found their second touchdown of the night in the process. Baker moves in the pocket and delivers a dot to Jalen McMillan for the TD! : #TBvsDAL on NBC/Peacock : Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/bMUjTBpSYr — NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2024 The Cowboys had enough time to work with to where they were actually able to make something out of it! Cooper Rush stayed calm and put Dallas in field goal range… for Brandon Aubrey. Amazingly, Aubrey hit his second 58-yard field goal of the night as the half ended. 1st Quarter The Dallas Cowboys won the toss, the first thing they won on the day what with them having been eliminated from playoff contention, and elected to receive. Cooper Rush was up. That first drive was a methodical one as Cooper Rush completed all 6 passes that he attempted; however, the Cowboys kept things in front of them and were hardly taking shots down the field. Ultimately things stalled just a little bit and they had to settle for a 58-yard field goal attempt which Brandon Aubrey converted with (shocker) relative ease. When Tampa Bay took over they began to move with relative ease themselves until things got a bit tough around midfield. Ultimately the Buccaneers went for it on fourth and short and even though Baker Mayfield found a wide open receiver, Sterling Shepard dropped it to turn the ball over to the Cowboys. The Cowboys went straight to work on their next drive. Cooper Rush found Brandin Cooks for a huge gain that put them in position to threaten for a touchdown this time around. Soon enough, Cooper Rush found Jalen Tolbert in the back of the endzone with one of the prettiest throw and catches you will ever see. RUSH TOLBERT TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/yXf0POWNSs — Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) December 23, 2024 Tampa’s next possession seemed to reach go-for-it territory on fourth and short as well, but this time the Bucs chose to punt it away. Dallas’ offense took the field for the third time in the game and with a 10-0 lead at their back. The quarter ended with Dallas facing 3rd and 8 from their own 22. Follow Blogging The Boys Everywhere Follow Blogging The Boys on X (formerly Twitter) Follow Blogging The Boys on Instagram Follow Blogging The Boys on Facebook Subscribe to the Blogging The Boys YouTube Channel Notable Recent News This past week saw the trailer for the Netflix documentary chronicling Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys teams of the 1990s release… if you are into that. Injury Updates We have known for some time that Trevon Diggs’ season is over, but the Cowboys formally placed him on injured reserve on Saturday. Dallas signed Andrew Booth to the active roster in response. NFL News Relevant To The Cowboys As noted up top… the Washington Commanders beat the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday and in the process they eliminated the Cowboys from playoff contention. The Drought™ grows all the more large. Up Next For The Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are set for their final road trip of the season next Sunday as they will visit the Philadelphia Eagles. After that they will return home to host the Washington Commanders before they wrap everything up.

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images Eric Kendricks is officially OUT for the Dallas Cowboys tonight. The Cowboys were officially eliminated from playoff contention earlier today, but they still have a game to play. With just under 90 minutes to go until kickoff against the Buccaneers, we now know who will and won’t be suiting up. Perhaps the biggest question mark heading into this game was the status of Eric Kendricks, who missed practice most of the week and was listed as questionable for today’s game. After giving it a go in pre-game warmups, Kendricks has been made inactive. T.J. Bass was another question mark, listed as questionable as well, and he will be unable to go in this one either. Joining Kendricks and Bass on the inactive list are Juanyeh Thomas, Deuce Vaughn, Jalen Brooks, Tyrus Wheat, and Justin Rogers. Notably, Rogers was just brought back to the team after being a preseason cut earlier this year, but the rookie will not suit up in this one. As for the Buccaneers, they’ll be without several key players. Safety Antoine Winfield and tight end Cade Otton were both ruled out earlier in the week, while KJ Britt – who was listed as doubtful – has officially been ruled out. All three are starters whose absence will be felt.

Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images AFTERNOON GAMES LET’S GO. More NFL action in the late afternoon slot. This is an open thread for game chat.

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images Let’s have a good Sunday. The Cowboys play tonight, so enjoy some other NFL games. This is an open thread for game chat.

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images Here are our bold predictions for Cowboys/Bucs. The Dallas Cowboys are back in action on Sunday night as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While this game does not mean much for the Cowboys, Tampa Bay is currently leading the NFC South and needs this win to maintain their division lead. Before the two teams square off, here are three bold predictions for the matchup. Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images 1)Mike Evans continues his hot streak, recording 150+ receiving yards and a touchdown Even at age 31, Buccaneers’ wideout Mike Evans is still producing at a consistently high level. Evans has been less than 100% almost all season, but despite the nagging injuries, the wideout has had another productive season. On the year Evans has caught 52 passes for 749 yards and nine touchdowns. After missing three straight games during the middle of the season, the veteran has been at his best in Tampa Bay’s last four games. Evans’ production has played a large part in the Bucs making a strong playoff push, catching 26 passes for 414 yards and three touchdowns over that four-game span. This week, Evans has a chance to continue his hot streak against a Cowboys’ pass defense that has struggled to slow down elite wide receivers. When Dallas faced a Bengals team with star receiver Ja’Marr Chase two weeks back, the All-Pro wideout had a dominant day, recording 14 receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Evans will follow suit and have a big day in his home state, going over 150 receiving yards for the second straight week. Perry Knotts/Getty Images 2) DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis both record interceptions Fresh off signing a three-year, $100M deal last March, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has had a very productive season. The former number-one pick ranks third in the NFL with 32 passing touchdowns and fourth in passing yards with 3,617. Mayfield is also in the top 10 in EPA + CPOE (0.133), EPA/Play (0.184), and Success Rate. (51.5%) If there’s one thing Mayfield has struggled with during this breakout season it’s been protecting the football. The 29-year-old has thrown 14 interceptions this year, which is good for the second most in the league. Mayfield also leads the league in interceptable passes (23) and is second in danger plays. (34) While the Bucs are on a four-game winning streak, Mayfield has thrown five interceptions during this span. With his multi-interception games against the Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders, Tampa Bay has overcome his mistakes due to the talent gap between their team and the opponent. This week, they face a Cowboys team that is good enough to take advantage if Mayfield continues to make these mistakes. Mayfield continues to be extremely aggressive, leading to a pair of Dallas interceptions. DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis both join the pick party as Baker records his third multi-interception game in the last four weeks. Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images 3) Jonathan Mingo scores his first NFL touchdown Last week against the Carolina Panthers we saw 24-year-old wide receiver Jalen Brooks score the first touchdown of his young NFL career. This week, another wideout will follow suit, and that guy will be Jonathan Mingo. Mingo has not made much of an impact after being acquired from Carolina at the trade deadline, but this is the week he finally makes a play. Late in the third quarter, Dallas throws Mingo a jump ball in the end zone that the 6’2 wideout comes down with, scoring the first touchdown of his NFL career.