Bucs vs. Cowboys data crisis

Irving’s 2024 running mate, wide receiver Jalen McMillanalso found the end zone on an 11-yard reception in the second quarter. It was McMillan’s fourth goal in the last three games and his fifth of the season. Only Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas (nine) and Arizona’s Marvin Harrison Jr. (seven), two first-round picks, have more touchdown catches among rookies this season. Combined, the Bucs’ third- and fourth-round selections, McMillan and Irving, have scored 12 touchdowns this season, the most of any rookie class so far this season.

Most touchdowns scored, team rookies, 2024

1. Buccaneers: 12
2. Giants: 11
3. Broncos: 10

McMillan caught five passes for 57 yards and scored for the third straight game. He joins in Mike Evans (2014) and Mike Williams (2010) are the only rookie receivers to score in three straight games in franchise history.

McMillan’s touchdown was one of two scoring passes thrown by the quarterback Baker Mayfieldwho finished the game with 303 yards and an interception on 31 of 43 passes. It was Mayfield’s fifth 300-yard game of the season, his ninth in two seasons with the Buccaneers and the 18th of his career. Only Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow has more 300-yard passing games this season, six. Mayfield’s two touchdown passes extended his new career high to 34 and gave him the third most productive season in that category in Buccaneers history.

Most touchdown passes, single season, Buccaneers history

3. Baker Mayfield (2024): 34

4. Jameis Winston (2019): 33

5t. Baker Mayfield (2023): 28

5t. Jameis Winston (2016): 28

Mayfield also remains third in the NFL in touchdown passes this season.

Most touchdowns, NFL, 2024

1. Joe Burrow, Bengals: 39
2. Lamar Jackson, Ravens: 37
3. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers: 34
4. Jared Goff, Lions: 33
5. Sam Darnold, Vikings: 32

Mayfield completed 72.1% of his passes against the Cowboys, reaching a 70% completion rate in a game for the eighth time this season. He ranks third in the NFL among qualified passers in this category.

Highest Completion Percentage, NFL, 2024

1. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins: 72.9%
2. Jared Goff, Lions: 71.4%
3. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers: 70.9%
4. Geno Smith, Seahawks: 70.1%
5. Jayden Daniels, Commander: 69.7%

Security Christian Izien led the Bucs’ defense with a career-high 13 tackles on Sunday night, recording his third career game with double-digit stops. Linebackers Lavonte David Next came eight stops, two of which were losses. David now has 169 career tackles without a loss, the third most of any player since entering the NFL in 2012.

Most tackles for loss, NFL, 2012-24

1. TJ Watt, Steelers: 182
2. Aaron Donald, Rams: 176
3. Lavonte David, Buccaneers: 169
4. Cameron Jordan, Saints: 153
5. From Miller, Broncos/Rams, Bills: 150

Kicker Chase McLaughlin Scored six points in the loss to Dallas, making three extra points and his only field goal attempt from 45 yards out. Since joining the Buccaneers last season, McLaughlin has the third-best field goal percentage in the NFL, making 55 of his 59 attempts.

Highest Field Goal Percentage, NFL, 2023–24