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TNF score: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 24-16 on Thursday night at AT&T Stadium, earning their first victory of the 2026 season in dramatic fashion. Undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels delivered a composed performance while making NFL history in his second consecutive start.
The Buccaneers entered the game with an 0-4 record and were forced to rely on Daniels after Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated right thumb in Week 3. Despite the short week and the pressure of a primetime road game, Daniels guided Tampa Bay to a breakthrough win over a Dallas team known for its explosive offense.
TNF Score Reveals Historic Night for Jalon Daniels
Daniels became the first undrafted rookie starting quarterback in the common draft era, dating back to 1967, to win a game for a team that entered the contest winless. He also became only the fourth undrafted rookie quarterback to win a primetime game since 2000 and the second to accomplish the feat on the road.
The former Kansas standout completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown. He added 23 rushing yards and avoided the major mistakes that often trouble inexperienced quarterbacks in a hostile road environment.
“I mean, it means everything,” Daniels said after the game, according to ESPN. He described the victory as especially meaningful because it came on a Thursday night, during a nationally televised game, and after Tampa Bay’s difficult start to the season.
Daniels also leaned on lessons from his college career. During the 2021 season at Kansas, he led the Jayhawks to a stunning overtime victory over Texas in Austin, sealing that game with a walk-off two-point conversion pass. His latest Lone Star State performance added another memorable chapter to his underdog story.
Explosive Third Quarter Turns the Game
The Buccaneers’ offense came alive after halftime, scoring 17 points in the third quarter. Daniels showed confidence on a deep pass to wide receiver Tez Johnson, connecting on a 64-yard play that helped Tampa Bay build momentum and keep Dallas from controlling the contest.
His most important early connection came in the second quarter, when he completed eight straight passes and found running back Bucky Irving for a five-yard touchdown. That drive gave the Buccaneers belief and helped establish the rhythm that carried them through the second half.
Irving was Tampa Bay’s biggest offensive weapon. The running back rushed for a career-high 165 yards and scored both a rushing and receiving touchdown. His production kept the Cowboys’ defense under pressure and allowed the Buccaneers to maintain possession during crucial stretches.
Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka also made a major contribution. After a quiet opening to the season, Egbuka led Tampa Bay with six receptions and added a rushing touchdown. The balanced attack gave Dallas multiple problems and prevented the Cowboys from focusing solely on Daniels.
- Jalon Daniels: 19-of-25 passing, 189 yards and one touchdown
- Bucky Irving: 165 rushing yards plus rushing and receiving touchdowns
- Emeka Egbuka: Six receptions and a rushing touchdown
- Tampa Bay: First win after opening the season 0-4
- Dallas: Defeated 24-16 at home on Thursday night
Baker Mayfield Injury Keeps Buccaneers Focused on Daniels
Mayfield remains sidelined while recovering from the thumb injury on his throwing hand. The stitches were removed during the week, but he has not resumed throwing. Coach Todd Bowles previously said Mayfield would miss at least three weeks.
That timeline means Daniels could receive additional opportunities to lead the offense. His approach has been to operate as closely as possible to Mayfield’s role, limiting changes to the communication and timing between the quarterback, offensive line, receivers and running backs.
“You don’t want to have to change the whole entire game plan because I’m the one in,” Daniels said. His ability to stay within the system was a key reason Tampa Bay played with confidence against Dallas.
What the TNF Score Means for Both Teams
For Tampa Bay, the victory provides more than a mark in the win column. It gives the Buccaneers renewed confidence, validates their decision to trust Daniels and creates a potential quarterback storyline while Mayfield recovers.
For the Cowboys, the home defeat raises questions about their defensive consistency and their ability to respond when an opponent controls the tempo. Dallas entered the matchup with an offense capable of scoring quickly, but Tampa Bay limited its opportunities by sustaining drives and protecting the football.
The final TNF score also highlights how quickly an NFL season can change. Tampa Bay went from winless and searching for answers to celebrating a historic road victory led by an undrafted rookie quarterback. Daniels now has an opportunity to build on the performance and prove that his Thursday night breakthrough was more than a one-game surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the TNF score between the Buccaneers and Cowboys?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 24-16 on Thursday night at AT&T Stadium.
Who was Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback?
Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels started for Tampa Bay in place of injured quarterback Baker Mayfield.
What record did Jalon Daniels set?
Daniels became the first undrafted rookie starting quarterback since 1967 to win a game for a team that entered the contest winless.
How many rushing yards did Bucky Irving record?
Bucky Irving rushed for a career-high 165 yards and scored both a rushing and receiving touchdown.
