The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured their first win of the NFL season on Thursday night, with undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels leading the charge in Dallas. Daniels completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown, avoiding turnovers entirely and limiting himself to just six incompletions. After the game, Daniels shared an emotional moment with his mother, Starkey "Star" Daniels, on the Amazon Prime Video postgame show.
The Buccaneers entered the game without Baker Mayfield, who is sidelined with a thumb injury, and many expected the struggling team to fall again. Instead, Daniels managed the offense effectively, capitalizing on Dallas’ defensive lapses. His standout play included a 64-yard completion to wide receiver Tez Johnson that set up a touchdown in the third quarter. Tampa Bay held a lead as large as 14 points during the game.
Daniels' performance marked a clear improvement from his first NFL start, where he threw two interceptions. This time, his approach was cleaner, showing poise and careful decision-making against the Cowboys’ defense. After the game, Daniels joined teammate Vita Vea on the Prime Video postgame set. Moments later, his mother appeared, wearing a Buccaneers jersey, beaming as she took a seat beside him.
“Ma, come here, Ma, come here,” Daniels called out, inviting her on stage.
When asked about her feelings, Star Daniels responded with a wide smile, “It is indescribable. This moment is so big. I’m speechless.” She added, nearly choking up, “I’m so proud of you. I am so proud of you. This is amazing.”
The win might not secure Daniels’ spot as the starter going forward. Mayfield is expected to return in Week 6, but Daniels’ showing gives the Buccaneers some confidence if they need to rely on him again. Tampa Bay’s longest drive in 19 years also baffled the Cowboys and contributed to the victory, according to analysis shared after the game.
The Cowboys’ defense faced criticism for its performance, with some calling it “awful” against the Buccaneers, as the team struggled to contain Daniels and the offense.
For Daniels, the night was a breakthrough. He avoided turnovers, made key completions, and delivered a composed performance, while the emotional postgame moment with his mother added a human touch to the Buccaneers’ hard-earned victory.
According to Yahoo Sports.