Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush had one of his best nights as a starter this season, including a career-high 226 passing yards in the first half. He finished the night 26 of 35 passing for 292 yards and a touchdown as the Cowboys leaned on the passing game all night.

Eliminated from postseason contention earlier in the day, the Dallas Cowboys held off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-24 Sunday, notching a fourth victory in the past five games, prompting owner and general manager Jerry Jones to say "I'm real proud of them.

The day started with uncertainty for the Dallas Cowboys. While waiting to see if one of their division rivals would take care of another, Dallas’ playoff hopes were spoiled by midday. When Washington defeated Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon,