League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Cowboys struggle with possession, face penalties in Week 5 loss to Buccaneers

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 11, 2026, 4:00 PM

Last updated Oct 11, 2026

Cowboys struggle with possession, face penalties in Week 5 loss to Buccaneers

Summary

The Dallas Cowboys fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-16 on October 9, 2026, continuing a disappointing season marked by defensive struggles and penalties. The Cowboys' time of possession was significantly lower than that of the Buccaneers, who held the ball for 39:21. Additionally, costly penalties negated key stops, allowing Tampa Bay to extend drives and score. Quarterback Dak Prescott had a difficult day, recording a passer rating of 69.1 and contributing to concerns surrounding the Dallas offense. The team now faces growing scrutiny regarding its playoff aspirations as the season progresses.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Cowboys defense has not recorded an interception this season.
•Crucial third-down penalties allowed Buccaneers to sustain drives.
•Dak Prescott had a passer rating of 69.1, his lowest in over a year.
•Dallas struggles with time of possession, allowing opponents lengthy drives.
•Team faces scrutiny as they assess performance and strategy moving forward.

Latest Updates

4:00 PMYahoo Sports — Cowboys' possession battle woes, ruinous defensive penalties among maddening Week 5 stats

What they're saying

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Plenty of disheartening numbers in Week 5's loss: an awful time of possession ratio and self-destructive 3rd-down penalties top the list.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Football