Key penalties, turnovers cost Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 27-20 loss to Dallas Cowboys

The big plays were there for Tampa Bay and its top-five offense on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. So were plenty of penalty flags and fumbles. The result: Another prolific offensive performance, and another Buccaneers loss. The Cowboys (9-6) clinched the NFC East with a 27-20 win over Tampa Bay, capitalizing on two critical Buccaneers turnovers and 85 yards rushing from Ezekiel Elliott. Dak Prescott completed 20-of-25 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for another score. Anytime the Buccaneers (5-10) seemed to generate momentum, they were derailed by a flag or turnover. The costliest play came late in the first quarter, when Jameis Winston escaped pressure only to be caught from behind and strip-sacked by Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory. Dallas linebacker Jaylon Smith scooped up the ball and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown. It was Winston's first fumble since returning to the starting lineup in Week 12 against San Francisco.