Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles had an unusual explanation for a clock-management mistake that erased a long field goal against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night.
The error came in the second quarter of Tampa Bay's 24-16 victory and cost the team a chance to add three points. With the score tied 7-7 and 3:47 remaining in the first half, Chase McLaughlin appeared to make a 61-yard field goal. A delay-of-game penalty nullified the kick, forcing Tampa Bay to punt instead.
Greg Auman of Fox Sports asked Bowles why the Buccaneers did not avoid the penalty by using one of their three available timeouts.
“Asked about the Bucs taking a delay penalty that cost them a chance at a 61-yard field goal tonight, Todd Bowles said he thought the officials were going to ‘pump the clock' for more time, but they didn't. “They should have pumped the clock,” Aumar tweeted.
The Buccaneers had timeouts available to prevent the situation from developing, and the penalty removed a scoring opportunity in a tied game.
Article Continues BelowTampa Bay ultimately won by eight points, but the missed opportunity could have mattered more in a closer finish. The Buccaneers had entered the matchup after four consecutive one-possession losses, making a victory important as they tried to regain momentum.
The team found its footing after halftime, scoring on its first three possessions of the second half to build a 24-10 advantage. Running back Bucky Irving rushed for 165 yards and a touchdown, including a 72-yard run that helped set up Tampa Bay's go-ahead score.