Irving runs for 165 yards as Bucs beat Cowboys 24-16 for first win

Bucky Irving rushed for 165 yards and scored twice as Tampa Bay beat Dallas 24-16 on Thursday night for its first victory of the season. The Buccaneers scored 17 unanswered points in the third quarter, then survived the Cowboys' late response with Alex Anzalone's interception and one more first down from Irving.

Tampa Bay improved to 1-4 while Dallas fell to 2-3. Rookie Jalon Daniels completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown without an interception in his first NFL road start, giving the Buccaneers a steady performance with Baker Mayfield still sidelined.

Irving's 72-yard burst on the opening play after halftime put Tampa Bay at the Dallas 14. Emeka Egbuka finished the two-play, 86-yard drive on a handoff, running into the end zone to turn a 10-7 halftime deficit into the Buccaneers' first lead.

Tampa Bay then took away two Dallas possessions. Yaya Diaby intercepted Dak Prescott on a tipped pass intended for Ryan Flournoy. Daniels capitalized by finding a wide-open Tez Johnson for a 64-yard gain. Irving's 1-yard touchdown completed a five-play, 75-yard drive and extended the lead to 21-10.

The next turnover arrived on the ensuing kickoff. Miles Killebrew forced KaVontae Turpin to fumble, and Kevin Knowles recovered for Tampa Bay at the Dallas 37. Chase McLaughlin's 41-yard field goal finished the resulting possession. Dallas had allowed three scoring drives without answering, with an interception and a lost fumble helping Tampa Bay sustain its run.

The Cowboys found a way back after their defense stopped Tampa Bay at the goal line in the fourth quarter. Prescott drove Dallas 99 yards in 10 plays, connecting with George Pickens for a 17-yard touchdown. A failed two-point pass left Dallas trailing 24-16 with 5:26 remaining. Pickens finished with nine catches for 130 yards, carrying the passing game while CeeDee Lamb managed two receptions for nine yards.

Dallas got the ball again and reached the Tampa Bay 24, but Anzalone intercepted Prescott's throw intended for Jake Ferguson with 1:16 left. Irving then broke a 22-yard run to move the chains, allowing Daniels to end the game with kneels. Prescott finished 24 of 42 for 316 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions; Dallas lost the turnover count 3-0.

Daniels had helped Tampa Bay control possession even before the explosive third quarter. He completed a 15-play, 73-yard touchdown drive with a 5-yard throw to Irving. The possession consumed 10:58, limiting Dallas' opportunities after Javonte Williams scored on the opening drive.

Tampa Bay finished with 241 rushing yards to Dallas' 50 and held the ball for 39:21. Lamb briefly left with a quad injury and returned; Tampa Bay tackle Tristan Wirfs also returned after being listed questionable with cramps.

Both clubs next play October 18: Dallas visits Green Bay, while Tampa Bay hosts Pittsburgh.