EXCLUSIVE: Buccaneers insider outlines three key points that could decide Tampa Bay's game against Cowboys
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys will go head-to-head in one of the most anticipated clashes of the postseason. On paper, it looks like a mismatch. The Cowboys have a 12-5 regular-season record, whereas the Buccaneers stumbled into the playoffs with a 8-9 record. They are only in the playoffs because of how poor the NFC South has been.
NFL and Bucs Insider T.J. Rives spoke exclusively to Sportskeeda's "The BallFather Podcast," highlighting three ways Tampa Bay can defeat Dallas.
The first key point was the offensive line holding up to protect Tom Brady.
"The first one is the ability to protect Tom Brady, whether he's doing the quick pass thing that we've seen a bunch or does he take the five and seven step drops? Is Dallas getting to him? Is Micah Parsons getting to him? Or is Lawrence getting to him? Are they able to knock him down, harass him? That's not good, advantage Cowboys big time. So pass protection on Brady would be one of them."
He also pointed out that the Buccaneers defense must pressure Dak Prescott, who has thrown the highest number of interceptions in the league. It is an area of the game that can come out should the Tampa Bay defense get to him early.
"Conversely, can the Bucaneer defense trap Dak Prescott? You go back to that Washington game again a week ago where they were awful in the first half of that game, he was rattled for whatever reason by the Washington pass rush throwing bad passes. Can the Bucs front seven rattle Dak Prescott maybe even into an early turnover or two?
"Prescott became the first quarterback in the history of the NFL's since the schedule expanded to 16 or 17 games to have 17 or more interceptions in a season where you missed at least five games. He missed five games, he threw 17 picks and a lot of them late in the year. So does Dak Prescott turn the ball over? That is enormous."
Finally, he highlighted the importance of not committing turnovers or giving away penalties. Given Tom Brady's strength in clawing back close leads, he expects them to have a great chance in a close game.
"The bigger thing for the Buccaneers is play a clean game. If they are not turning the ball over, if they are not committing penalties to help the Cowboys out, they have a great chance to win, a great chance to win this game and move on.
"If it is close and Brady has the ball, advantage Buccaneers because we've seen it over and over again even at 45 years of age. Reggie, this is ridiculous stuff. Nobody plays quarterback in the NFL into their mid-forties, Tom Brady is doing it. We are watching something that you really may not see again. Here at 45 with zip on the ball and having success. Let's see what happens."
The Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to play out a close game
There are no easy games in the playoffs and this is not expected to be one either. For one, the Cowboys played their worst game of the season against the Washington Commanders in their last outing. Then there is the fact that the Buccaneers have a quarterback by the name of Tom Brady, the winningest player in league history.
Tampa Bay Bucs & Dallas Cowboys
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The game will also take place at home for the Buccaneers, which gives them an advantage. But Dallas has been a more accomplished team this season. It promises to be a banger to close out the first NFL playoff week.