Bowles' 4th-Down Gamble Nearly Spoils Buccaneers' 24-16 Win Over Cowboys
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Oct 9
Bowles' 4th-Down Gamble Nearly Spoils Buccaneers' 24-16 Win Over Cowboys
3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Oct 9
Summary
8:36 from the end and up 24-10, Tampa Bay went for it on fourth-and-goal from the 1 instead of kicking a field goal that would also have made it a three-score game.
The failed try opened the door for Dallas, which drove 99 yards in 10 plays to cut the lead to one score and nearly flipped the game on a dropped DaRon Bland pick-six chance.
Bucky Irving's late run finally iced the Buccaneers' first win, but the escape sharpened scrutiny on Todd Bowles even after Tampa Bay improved to 1-4.
That decision could loom larger over Bowles with the Steelers, Panthers, Falcons and Bears ahead; losing 3 of the next 4 could trigger a coaching overhaul by the Week 10 bye.