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NFL·ANALYSIS·October 8, 2026 11:20 PM ET

Bowles bypasses field goal, Cowboys secure goal-line stop

Tampa Bay leads Dallas 24-16 with the game in progress.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 47m1 min read
Post on X
Todd Bowles put in jeopardy a game his team has dominated by refusing to kick the FG to make it a three-score game. Co Via @WerderEdNFL on X

What happened: Todd Bowles chose to bypass a short field goal attempt that would have created a three-score lead, opting to go for it on fourth down inside the 1-yard line. The Cowboys defense held strong to secure the goal-line stop.

Why it matters: The coaching decision left the game in the balance rather than putting it further out of reach. Dallas remains alive, trailing the Buccaneers 24-16 as play continues.

What to watch: Dallas takes over possession backed up against its own end zone, needing an offensive drive to cut into the eight-point deficit.

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