The Dallas Cowboys inflicted a painful defeat on Tom Brady and the Buccaneers Monday in Tampa, winning the playoff game at Raymond James Stadium 31-14. They now have a date with the San Francisco 49ers in the peloton.
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The loss could mark the retirement of the famous quarterback, who has come out of retirement twice. He completed 35 of 66 attempts for 351 yards through the air and two touchdowns. The veteran also threw his first endzone interception for the Buccaneers, adding to the host team’s unhappiness.
A thaw avoided
The visitors led 18-0 into the end zone at halftime thanks to two touchdowns from tight end Dalton Schultz and a one-yard run from quarterback Dak Prescott.
In the third quarter, after 81 yards of possession, Prescott receiver Michael Gallup fed two yards into the colored area to make it 24-0.
Oddly enough, Cowboys kicker Brett Maher set an NFL record by missing four straight one-point conversions. He made it on his fifth try of the fourth quarter after CeeDee Lamb’s middle finger, an 18-yard reception.
Prescott finished his night work with 25 of 33 attempts for 305 yards. He became the fifth player in NFL history to complete four touchdown passes and a rushing major in the NFL playoffs, along with Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning and Tobin Rote.
Trouble for Brady
At the Buccaneers, Brady avoided complete humiliation for the Buccaneers in the closing moments of the third period when he spotted Julio Jones from 30 yards out. An attempt to convert two points failed.
The famous number 12 fell victim to a sack on the third shot on goal at the end of the game. The offense stayed on the field in the next play and the Star Pivot was knocked down again, disposing of the ball before it hit the ground.
Late in the game, Brady delighted fans with an 8-yard pass to Cameron Brate in the end zone. Mike Evans picked up the two-point conversion, the last one on the board in this matchup.