Quick answer
- Winner
- Dallas Cowboys
- Final score
- Dallas Cowboys 31–15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Halftime
- Dallas Cowboys 28–0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- T. Romo
- Top passer
- J. Freeman
- Biggest EPA play
- (13:49) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo sacked at DAL 5 for -6 yards (94-A.Clayborn). FUMBLES (94-A.Cla…
- Game date
- 2011-12-17
Game summary
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31–15 on 2011-12-17. T. Romo posted a game-high +17.81 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 18 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Dallas Cowboys | 14 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 31 |
 Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
DALDallas Cowboys(8:57) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 19-M.Austin for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-A.Clayborn]. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
(:25) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 88-D.Bryant for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
(4:51) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 81-L.Robinson for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
(:22) 9-T.Romo up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
(13:49) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo sacked at DAL 5 for -6 yards (94-A.Clayborn). FUMBLES (94-A.Clayborn) [94-A.Clayborn], RECOVERED by TB-56-D.Watson at DAL 7. 56-D.Watson for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(6:43) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
(:32) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass short left to 89-D.Briscoe for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 5-J.Freeman pass to 82-K.Winslow is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
TBTampa Bay BuccaneersFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q1 8:57TD MAM. AustinPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 8
- Score
- 6-0
(8:57) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 19-M.Austin for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-A.Clayborn]. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q1 8:44XP Points+1
- Yard line
- TB 2
- Score
- 7-0
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q1 0:25TD DBD. BryantPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 8
- Score
- 13-0
(:25) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 88-D.Bryant for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q1 0:18XP Points+1
- Yard line
- TB 2
- Score
- 14-0
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q2 4:51TD Layden RobinsonPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 9
- Score
- 20-0
(4:51) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 81-L.Robinson for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q2 4:42XP Points+1
- Yard line
- TB 2
- Score
- 21-0
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q2 0:22TD TRT. RomoPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 1
- Score
- 27-0
(:22) 9-T.Romo up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q2 0:20XP Points+1
- Yard line
- TB 2
- Score
- 28-0
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q3 13:49TD Desmond WatsonPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 89
- Score
- 28-6
(13:49) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo sacked at DAL 5 for -6 yards (94-A.Clayborn). FUMBLES (94-A.Clayborn) [94-A.Clayborn], RECOVERED by TB-56-D.Watson at DAL 7. 56-D.Watson for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q3 13:39XP CBC. BarthPoints+1
- Yard line
- DAL 2
- Score
- 28-7
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 6:43FG Points+3
- Yard line
- TB 12
- Score
- 31-7
(6:43) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q3 0:32TD DBD. BriscoePoints+6
- Yard line
- DAL 13
- Score
- 31-13
(:32) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass short left to 89-D.Briscoe for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q3 0:23Safety JFJ. FreemanPoints+2
- Yard line
- DAL 2
- Score
- 31-15
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 5-J.Freeman pass to 82-K.Winslow is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1T. Romo · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +17.81 total EPA · 34 snaps · +0.52 EPA/play
- 2J. Witten · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +6.71 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.34 EPA/play
- 3M. Austin · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +5.56 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.69 EPA/play
- 4D. Briscoe · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +5.34 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.78 EPA/play
- 5D. Bryant · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +5.08 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.27 EPA/play
- 6Layden Robinson · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +4.84 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.61 EPA/play
- 7K. Lumpkin · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +3.59 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.45 EPA/play
- 8K. Ogletree · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +1.40 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.40 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
T. Romo — DAL · Passing
T. Romo posted the highest total EPA (+17.81) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Dallas Cowboys. Across 34 counted snaps, they averaged +0.52 EPA per play.
T. Romo's top snap (-4.87 EPA): (13:49) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo sacked at DAL 5 for -6 yards (94-A.Clayborn). FUMBLES (94-A.Clayborn) [94-A.Clayborn], RECOVERED by TB-56-D.Watson at DAL 7. 56-D.Watson for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
J. Freeman led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J. Freeman (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 35 dropbacks · 48.6% completion · -2.2% CPOE · -0.17 EPA/play · -6.12 total EPA
- T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) · 34 dropbacks · 67.6% completion · +15.3% CPOE · +0.52 EPA/play · +17.81 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Dallas Cowboys | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.132 | -0.144 |
| Offensive success rate | 51.8% | 36.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.524 | -0.175 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.002 | -0.414 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.144 | -0.132 |
| Defensive success rate | 63.8% | 48.2% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Dallas Cowboys generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.13 vs -0.14), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Dallas Cowboys: +0.13 EPA/play (84th percentile vs. 2011 team-game averages)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -0.14 EPA/play (19th percentile vs. 2011 team-game averages)
- Dallas Cowboys: 10 drives, +11.19 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10 drives, -8.33 total EPA, 1 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Dallas Cowboys — M. Austin (T. Romo pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — D. Bryant (T. Romo pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — Layden Robinson (T. Romo pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — T. Romo
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Desmond Watson
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — D. Briscoe (J. Freeman pass)
Field goals
- Dallas Cowboys — Dominic Bailey
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 14–0. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the TB 8 (Q1 8:57); Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q1 8:44) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the TB 8 (Q1 0:25) — (:25) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 88-D.Bryant for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q1 0:18) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar..
The second quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 14–0. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the TB 9 (Q2 4:51) — (4:51) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 81-L.Robinson for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q2 4:42) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q2 0:22) — (:22) 9-T.Romo up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q2 0:20) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar..
The third quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 15–3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the TB 89 (Q3 13:49); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q3 13:39) — 10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the TB 12 (Q3 6:43) — (6:43) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the DAL 13 (Q3 0:32) — (:32) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass short left to 89-D.Briscoe for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers registered a safety from the DAL 2 (Q3 0:23) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 5-J.Freeman pass to 82-K.Winslow is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 12:47) — (12:47) 5-J.Freeman scrambles up the middle to DAL 44 for 7 yards (93-A.Spencer). FUMBLES (93-A.Spencer), RECOVERED by DAL-56-B.James at DAL 44. 56-B.James to DAL 44 for no gain (75-D.Joseph).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q1 8:57) — (8:57) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 19-M.Austin for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-A.Clayborn]. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q1 5:45) — (5:45) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep right to 82-J.Witten pushed ob at TB 41 for 28 yards (36-T.Jackson).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 13:34) — (13:34) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman scrambles up the middle to TB 49 for 25 yards (41-T.Newman).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q1 11:59) — (11:59) 9-T.Romo pass short left to 88-D.Bryant to TB 26 for 16 yards (25-A.Talib).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q3 13:49) — (13:49) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo sacked at DAL 5 for -6 yards (94-A.Clayborn). FUMBLES (94-A.Clayborn) [94-A.Clayborn], RECOVERED by TB-56-D.Watson at DAL 7. 56-D.Watson for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 12:47) — (12:47) 5-J.Freeman scrambles up the middle to DAL 44 for 7 yards (93-A.Spencer). FUMBLES (93-A.Spencer), RECOVERED by DAL-56-B.James at DAL 44. 56-B.James to DAL 44 for no gain (75-D.Joseph).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 7:16) — (7:16) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass short middle to 28-K.Lumpkin to DAL 42 for 14 yards (32-O.Scandrick).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 0:08) — (:08) 9-T.Romo kneels to TB 7 for -1 yards.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 8:57 · TB 8 · Score 6-0
(8:57) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 19-M.Austin for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-A.Clayborn]. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 8:44 · TB 2 · Score 7-0
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 0:25 · TB 8 · Score 13-0
(:25) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 88-D.Bryant for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 0:18 · TB 2 · Score 14-0
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 4:51 · TB 9 · Score 20-0
(4:51) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 81-L.Robinson for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 4:42 · TB 2 · Score 21-0
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 0:22 · TB 1 · Score 27-0
(:22) 9-T.Romo up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 0:20 · TB 2 · Score 28-0
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 13:49 · TB 89 · Score 28-6
(13:49) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo sacked at DAL 5 for -6 yards (94-A.Clayborn). FUMBLES (94-A.Clayborn) [94-A.Clayborn], RECOVERED by TB-56-D.Watson at DAL 7. 56-D.Watson for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 13:39 · DAL 2 · Score 28-7
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q3 6:43 · TB 12 · Score 31-7
(6:43) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 0:32 · DAL 13 · Score 31-13
(:32) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass short left to 89-D.Briscoe for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Safety (+2) — Q3 0:23 · DAL 2 · Score 31-15
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 5-J.Freeman pass to 82-K.Winslow is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Dallas Cowboys earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- T. Romo (DAL) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers on 2011-12-17?
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-15 in Week 15, 2011.
What was the score by quarter in Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: Dallas Cowboys 14, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Q2: Dallas Cowboys 14, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Q3: Dallas Cowboys 3, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 15; Final: Dallas Cowboys 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 15.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Dallas Cowboys touchdown — M. Austin (T. Romo pass) (Q1 8:57) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — D. Bryant (T. Romo pass) (Q1 0:25) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — L. Robinson (T. Romo pass) (Q2 4:51) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — T. Romo (Q2 0:22) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — D. Watson (Q3 13:49) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — D. Briscoe (J. Freeman pass) (Q3 0:32) Dallas Cowboys field goal — D. Bailey (Q3 6:43, 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?
J. Freeman (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 48.6% completion, -2.2% CPOE, -0.17 EPA per dropback, -6.12 total passing EPA. T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys), 67.6% completion, +15.3% CPOE, +0.52 EPA per dropback, +17.81 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +17.81 total EPA on Passing plays. across 34 snaps. Their top snap (-4.87 EPA): (13:49) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo sacked at DAL 5 for -6 yards (94-A.Clayborn). FUMBLES (94-A.Clayborn) [94-A.Clayborn], RECOVERED by TB-56-D.Watson at DAL 7. 56-D.Watson for 7 yards, TOU.
Season records after this game
Dallas Cowboys
Entered 7-6 Now 8-6 W
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 4-9 Now 4-10 L
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