Game story
In Week 1 of the 2009 NFL season on 2009-09-13, the Dallas Cowboys took care of business against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pulling away with a 34–21 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 28 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
B. Leftwich (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) paced the passing game, with +7.10 total EPA, and +5.5% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +19.05 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-17.8% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed the game: (4:39) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Nugent 38 yard field goal is BLOCKED (43-G.Sensabaugh), Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-8-D.Johnson, RECOVERED by DAL-21-M.Jenkins at DAL 35. 21-M.Jenkins to TB 48 for 1
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | 6 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 34 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 21 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Romo · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +19.05 total EPA · 29 snaps · +0.66 EPA/play
- 2 P. Crayton · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +8.48 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.41 EPA/play
- 3 B. Leftwich · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +7.10 total EPA · 45 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
- 4 C. Williams · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Rushing · +5.93 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 5 J. Witten · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +5.68 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.81 EPA/play
- 6 M. Austin · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +4.91 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.45 EPA/play
- 7 M. Clayton · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.30 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
- 8 R. Williams · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +3.92 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Romo — DAL · Passing
T. Romo posted the highest total EPA (+19.05) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Dallas Cowboys's efficiency. Across 29 counted snaps, they averaged +0.66 EPA per play.
The signature play (+7.26 EPA) came from Dallas Cowboys: (12:56) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 84-P.Crayton for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Williams
- Dallas Cowboys — M. Austin (T. Romo pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — R. Williams (T. Romo pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — D. Ward
- Dallas Cowboys — P. Crayton (T. Romo pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — M. Barber
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — K. Winslow (B. Leftwich pass)
Field goals
- Dallas Cowboys — N. Folk
- Dallas Cowboys — N. Folk
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 6–0. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the TB 33 (Q1 54:42) — (9:42) (Field Goal formation) 6-N.Folk 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the TB 4 (Q1 46:27) — (1:27) (Field Goal formation) 6-N.Folk 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the DAL 1 (Q2 40:26) — (10:26) 24-C.Williams up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q2 40:19) — (Kick formation) 4-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-8-D.Johnson.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the TB 42 (Q2 30:55) — (:55) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 19-M.Austin for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q2 30:46) — (Kick formation) 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar..
The third quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 7–0. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the TB 66 (Q3 26:34) — (11:34) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 11-R.Williams for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q3 26:23) — (Kick formation) 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 14–14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the DAL 1 (Q4 13:50) — (13:50) 28-D.Ward up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q4 13:45) — (Kick formation) 4-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-8-D.Johnson.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the TB 80 (Q4 12:56) — (12:56) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 84-P.Crayton for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q4 12:43) — (Kick formation) 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the TB 6 (Q4 4:06) — (4:06) 24-M.Barber left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q4 3:57) — (Kick formation) 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the DAL 2 (Q4 1:31) — (1:31) 7-B.Leftwich pass short right to 82-K.Winslow for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q4 1:28) — (Kick formation) 4-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-8-D.Johnson..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 49:39) — (4:39) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Nugent 38 yard field goal is BLOCKED (43-G.Sensabaugh), Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-8-D.Johnson, RECOVERED by DAL-21-M.Jenkins at DAL 35. 21-M.Jenkins to TB 48 for 1
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 30:55) — (:55) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 19-M.Austin for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 12:56) — (12:56) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 84-P.Crayton for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q3 26:34) — (11:34) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 11-R.Williams for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 30:16) — (:16) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-B.Leftwich pass deep right to 80-M.Clayton to DAL 28 for 47 yards (41-T.Newman). The Replay Assistant challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 12:56) — (12:56) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 84-P.Crayton for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q3 26:34) — (11:34) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 11-R.Williams for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 30:55) — (:55) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 19-M.Austin for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 49:39) — (4:39) (Field Goal formation) 4-M.Nugent 38 yard field goal is BLOCKED (43-G.Sensabaugh), Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-8-D.Johnson, RECOVERED by DAL-21-M.Jenkins at DAL 35. 21-M.Jenkins to TB 48 for 1
Quarterback report card
B.Leftwich led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- B.Leftwich (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 45 dropbacks · 55.6% completion · +5.5% CPOE · +0.16 EPA/play · +7.10 total EPA
- T.Romo (Dallas Cowboys) · 29 dropbacks · 55.2% completion · +7.3% CPOE · +0.66 EPA/play · +19.05 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Dallas Cowboys | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.373 | +0.092 |
| Offensive success rate | 48.5% | 46.3% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.657 | +0.145 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.054 | +0.213 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.092 | -0.373 |
| Defensive success rate | 53.7% | 51.5% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Dallas Cowboys generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.37 vs +0.09), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Dallas Cowboys: 11 drives, +25.38 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 11 drives, +8.70 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Dallas Cowboys leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- B. Leftwich (TB) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- T. Romo (DAL) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q1 54:42 · TB 33 · Score 3-0
(9:42) (Field Goal formation) 6-N.Folk 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q1 46:27 · TB 4 · Score 6-0
(1:27) (Field Goal formation) 6-N.Folk 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 40:26 · DAL 1 · Score 6-6
(10:26) 24-C.Williams up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 40:19 · DAL 2 · Score 6-7
(Kick formation) 4-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-8-D.Johnson. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 30:55 · TB 42 · Score 12-7
(:55) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 19-M.Austin for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 30:46 · TB 2 · Score 13-7
(Kick formation) 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q3 26:34 · TB 66 · Score 19-7
(11:34) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 11-R.Williams for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q3 26:23 · TB 2 · Score 20-7
(Kick formation) 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 13:50 · DAL 1 · Score 20-13
(13:50) 28-D.Ward up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 13:45 · DAL 2 · Score 20-14
(Kick formation) 4-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-8-D.Johnson. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 12:56 · TB 80 · Score 26-14
(12:56) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 84-P.Crayton for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q4 12:43 · TB 2 · Score 27-14
(Kick formation) 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 4:06 · TB 6 · Score 33-14
(4:06) 24-M.Barber left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q4 3:57 · TB 2 · Score 34-14
(Kick formation) 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 1:31 · DAL 2 · Score 34-20
(1:31) 7-B.Leftwich pass short right to 82-K.Winslow for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 1:28 · DAL 2 · Score 34-21
(Kick formation) 4-M.Nugent extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-8-D.Johnson.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-21 in Week 1, 2009 on 2009-09-13.
What was the final score of Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The final score was Dallas Cowboys 34, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21 (DAL 34-21 TB) in Week 1, 2009 on 2009-09-13.
What was the score by quarter in Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: Dallas Cowboys 6, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Q2: Dallas Cowboys 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q3: Dallas Cowboys 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Q4: Dallas Cowboys 14, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14; Final: Dallas Cowboys 34, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Williams (Q2 40:26) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — M. Austin (T. Romo pass) (Q2 30:55) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — R. Williams (T. Romo pass) (Q3 26:34) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — D. Ward (Q4 13:50) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — P. Crayton (T. Romo pass) (Q4 12:56) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — M. Barber (Q4 4:06) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — K. Winslow (B. Leftwich pass) (Q4 1:31) Dallas Cowboys field goal — N. Folk (Q1 54:42, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — N. Folk (Q1 46:27, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
B. Leftwich (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 55.6% completion, +5.5% CPOE, +0.16 EPA per dropback, +7.10 total passing EPA. T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys), 55.2% completion, +7.3% CPOE, +0.66 EPA per dropback, +19.05 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) led the game in total EPA with +19.05 on passing plays. across 29 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+7.26 EPA): (12:56) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 84-P.Crayton for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -17.8%.
Season records after this game
Dallas Cowboys
Now 1-0 W
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Now 0-1 L
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