TAMPA, Fla. — Jalon Daniels looked every bit the part of an NFL starter, guiding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 24-16 road win over the Dallas Cowboys on short rest and ending the team’s winless start.
The victory eased scrutiny on head coach Todd Bowles and nudged the Buccaneers to 1-4, keeping them within reach in a division where no team has a winning record.
Daniels, an undrafted rookie from Kansas making his second start in place of the injured Baker Mayfield, completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers. He added seven rushes for 23 yards and repeatedly extended plays with his mobility. Bowles said Friday that Daniels “played smart” and was decisive, crediting his growth from his first start.
Despite being passed over 257 times in the draft as 10 quarterbacks were selected, Daniels became the first of his class to start a game. His poise and production figure to prompt second looks from scouting departments around the league. Daniels said he approaches each week as an undrafted rookie focused on making plays and staying grounded.
Bowles said he currently expects Daniels to start again on Oct. 18 when Tampa Bay hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mayfield, sidelined the past two games with a fractured thumb, is progressing and could push to return next week.
Jalon Daniels and the run game spark offense
Tampa Bay’s ground attack finally broke through, piling up 241 rushing yards at 6.2 yards per carry. Rookie Bucky Irving led the surge with 165 yards, including a 72-yard burst. Bowles praised Irving’s tackle avoidance and the offensive line’s improved blocking, calling the rookie’s energy a major spark.
Penalties remained a concern. The Buccaneers were flagged 14 times but overcame the miscues after being dogged by mistakes in their first four games.
Cornerback Zyon McCollum delivered a standout performance, targeted only twice and allowing no receptions while matching up with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Bowles attributed McCollum’s leap to increased film study and better recognition of formations, splits, and situational football.
Edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., the No. 15 overall pick, had a quiet return from a groin injury and has one tackle with no sacks in three games.
Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (rib), cornerback Benjamin Morrison (quad), and linebacker SirVocea Dennis (ankle/foot) were inactive.
Takeaways and what’s next for Jalon Daniels
Tampa Bay won the turnover battle 3-0 with two interceptions and a fumble recovery. The team now enters a mini-bye before preparing to host the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers. The Buccaneers are 0-3 at home this season.
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