No one would've said the Cowboys' defense was a strength through the first four weeks of the season, but Dallas appeared to be sitting pretty ahead of a home "Thursday Night Football" matchup against a reeling Buccaneers squad.
Tampa Bay entered Thursday winless and down to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels at quarterback with Baker Mayfield injured. Daniels largely struggled to sustain drives in his first start, so the idea that he could keep up with a high-flying Dallas offense seemed far-fetched.
The Cowboys' defense, however, had other ideas. Dallas struggled to contain Tampa Bay's previously anemic offense, and fan frustration boiled up after a series of lapses.
Here's a look at the Cowboys' continued defensive struggles and the best reactions.
MORE: Why Joey Porter Jr. was inactive in surprise decision
Cowboys ripped for defensive effort
The Cowboys couldn't get the Buccaneers' offense off the field in the first half, as Tampa Bay — aided by three penalties — put together a marathon drive spanning nearly 11 minutes and ending in a Bucky Irving touchdown.
After a stronger finish to the first half, the unit had a number of miscues in the third quarter. Irving broke free for a 72-yard run that set up an Emeka Egbuka rushing touchdown, and the defense soon allowed Tez Johnson to get wide open for a 64-yard gain that set up another score.
Tez Johnson is WIDE open for another Bucs big gain! @TBvsDAL on Prime Video Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/yilGqjeFzj
— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2026After a special teams mistake gave the Buccaneers' offense another opportunity, Dallas let Daniels and Egbuka convert a third-and-21 to keep the drive alive and ultimately put three more points on the board.
Jalon Daniels connects with Emeka Egbuka to convert the 3rd and 21! @TBvsDAL on Prime Video Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/mUlIG4zkh0
— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2026When the Cowboys had a chance to get the Buccaneers off the field later on, Shavon Revel Jr., filling in for an ill Joey Porter Jr., was called for pass interference on third-and-13.
Fans and pundits were understandably frustrated:
This is more about the Dallas Cowboys being pretenders, not contenders, once again. This defense is AWFUL. Bucs are making them pay #WeAreTheKrewe
— Christopher Mathis 🎙 (@thechrismathis) October 9, 2026The Cowboys front office and coaching staff are lying to themselves if they believe this defense is improved.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) October 9, 2026I know what this is saying, but I sort of think this might be one of the worst quarters of Cowboys football that I have ever seen.
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) October 9, 2026This is one of the lowest points for the Dallas Cowboys in the Brian Schottenheimer era, and that is really saying something. He and his whole staff look overwhelmed and like they have no business operating an NFL team. This is ugly and they are the reason why.
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) October 9, 2026MORE: How Buccaneers' longest drive in 19 years baffled Cowboys
Some directed their ire toward defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who is only five games into his tenure.
The Cowboys might seriously want to think about moving on from Christian Parker sooner rather than later. Zero signs that this is going to get better.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) October 9, 2026Christian Parker is no different than Matt Eberflus.
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) October 9, 2026Here's a look at how the Cowboys defense stacks up so far in 2026.
Cowboys defensive stats in 2026
Here's where the Cowboys' defense ranked among all teams coming into Thursday's game:
- Points: 28.0 (28th)
- Yards: 389.5 (30th)
- Pass yards: 239.3 (24th)
- Rush yards: 150.3 (30th)
- Takeaways: 2 (T-29th)
Dallas is the only team without a defensive interception and was already allowing nearly 400 yards per game before Thursday's contest.
While the Cowboys' defense wasn't necessarily bludgeoned by the Buccaneers, the mistakes and lapses were fairly stunning considering the way Tampa Bay's offense had been struggling coming into the night.
