Dallas Cowboys vs Buccaneers: Six Staff Game Predictions
The Landry Hat staff of contributors give their predictions for the Week 15 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) calls a play at the line during the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
On Sunday night, the 11-2 Dallas Cowboys will take on the 8-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in AT&T Stadium. The Landry Hat’s staff of contributors has gathered together this week to give their predictions for the Week 15 matchup.
Note: If you are interested in reading more of a particular contributor’s work on the site, simply click on their name.
Brad Austin, Senior Contributor
Prediction: It was easy for fans to think the sky was falling after the Cowboys finally tasted a defeat in the last 12 contests. Losing both to the same division opponent magnified the meaning.
Dak Prescott finally looked like a rookie passer, Dez Bryant fell flat on his face, and the Cowboys offense appeared to be solved.
The reality is the ill effects came from the team’s first time to play in harsh weather conditions.
While there are several reasons I see Dallas bouncing back with a solid performance to reclaim NFC dominance, none are more telling than this aspect…
Three times this season Prescott has posted a QB rating below 100. Week 1 against New York (69.4), Week 8 against Philly (79.8), and Week 14 in the Giants rematch (45.4).
After the previous two sub-100 QBR performances, Dak unloaded his frustrations the following game.
In both redemption games Dak had no mercy…Week 2 against Washington (73% completions, 104.3 QBR) and Week 9 against Cleveland (78% completions, 141.8 QBR).
Look for the Cowboys to open up the passing game and allow Prescott to prove his mettle.
Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 26, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23
Oct 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates his third quarter touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Vu, Senior Contributor
Prediction: This game excites me. This game wasn’t one I circled back when the NFL schedule was released. This game was flexed into a prime time Sunday Night slot, and rightfully so.
This is the game America deserves.
All of this build up also makes me nervous too. The thought of falling two straight games, against two teams who desperately need it, bugs me. This home game at AT&T Stadium won’t be an easy one for the Dallas Cowboys, but I like their chances.
Why?
• It’s a home game, so weather conditions will be ideal
• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a stout defense, but you know what, the Cowboys are showing they can play some Big D themselves
• Dak Prescott and Dez Bryant figure it out, get on the same page and ride a hot hand together when it matters most
• Ezekiel Elliott continues his eating campaign, crossing well over 1,400 rushing yards and within a spiting distance of 1,500 yards for the year
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This will be a low score contest, but I also don’t see Dak Prescott dropping a second straight game. This is where his composure, poise, and calmness goes on display. And none of it is a fluke.
For those calling for quarterback Tony Romo, which I find absolutely absurd, know this: Dak Prescott has more than earned the job, and the full rights to not ever look over his back.
Those looking for Romo plug in Prescott’s two interception game last week.
But the rookie quarterback has four total interceptions for the year. He has 20 touchdown passes, 3,139 passing yards and rating of 102.7. His New York Giants game wasn’t great — he had a final rating of 45.4 — but he’s earned the right to show how he can bounce back.
Prescott ranks third in quarterback rating in the NFL. Only Tom Brady (113.6) and Matt Ryan (113.2) rank higher. The 23-year-old has five rushing touchdowns, which is something I feel Dallas has abandoned — his run game.
I love the Prescott and Jameis Winston match up at the quarterback spots. The future is here.
I see the Dallas Cowboys rallying behind their quarterback. Hello, 12-2. Hello NFC East title.
Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 20, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17
Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is hit by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Robert Ayers (91) after he throws during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Steven Mullenax, Site Expert
Prediction: Honestly, the Cowboys recent loss to the New York Giants (again) really threw me for a loop. Not so much that I’m running around the neighborhood shirtless yelling ‘Bring Romo back!’ as my neighbors turn off their Christmas lights and lock their doors.
But the recent play of rookie quarterback Dak Prescott has me questioning his ability to stand up to, not only the public scrutiny that comes with being at the helm of America’s Team and all the distractions that come along with it, but also his ability to adjust to NFL defenses who are now adjusting to him.
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In Prescott’s last two outings, which were both on the road, he has thrown for a total of 304 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He was also sacked six times, the most so far this year in a two-game span. The pressure is certainly getting to Dak. And as of late, he has handled that pressure like a rookie. But that’s exactly what we have not seen from the previously poised Prescott all season, which is scary.
The 23-year needs to bounce back against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night or you may have to help clear the streets around my neighborhood. Unfortunately, the Bucs defense is stout, ranking first in the NFL in takeaways with 25 (14 interceptions, 11 take away fumbles).
Bet on the Bucs bringing pressure against Prescott all game long as talented defensive end Robert Ayers has recorded three sacks in the past three games. Also providing quarterback pressure will be defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, rookie pass rusher Noah Spence and linebacker Kwon Alexander.
In order to get back on track, the Cowboys must re-establish their dominate offensive line via the running game. I expect to see a more consistent effort by this Dallas coaching staff to get Ezekiel Elliott and the rest of the Cowboys running backs involved early and often. Especially considering the Bucs have the 20th ranked rushing defense in the league, allowing 110.7 rushing yards per game to opposing offenses.
Because Dallas will once again play the time of possession game, expect this contest to be a low scoring, grind-it-out victory for the Cowboys.
Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 20, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13
Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett reacts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dyllan Larson, Contributor
Prediction: Here we are, in mid December, with a gamut of questions looming for this Dallas Cowboys team going into the final three games before the playoffs.
The Dallas offense, which was nothing short of dynamic and dominant through the majority of the season, has sputtered in the last two games against the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants.
In particular, the Cowboys offense has been poor in executing plays that put them in favorable down and distance for converting third downs.
They had been converting around 50 percent of third downs before the Minnesota game. Since then- Dallas has converted 2 out of 24 third down attempts. Simply put, the offense needs to get back on track- fast.
Converting third downs will be easier said than done against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who only allow 34.2 percent of third downs to be converted against them this season.
Tampa Bay is one of the hottest teams in football. They have won five straight games going into tomorrow night and that momentum is going to be hard to stop. Tampa’s defense has a lot of talent and speed and they will be trying to help a mediocre offense escape AT&T stadium with a road victory against Dallas.
I would have called this game a blowout victory about a month ago to be honest with you, but since then a combination of offensive ineptitude from Dallas and several impressive wins by Tampa Bay and I don’t feel so confident.
What does make me feel good is knowing that the Cowboys have been battle tested all season long and have always responded well to adversity. The Bucs aren’t the best team that the Cowboys have seen so far this year and Dallas has to be hungry to right the ship and find a way to win.
Zeke breaks the 150 yard mark with 3 runs of 20 yards or more, helping the offense sustain long drives and get back over the 20 point mark. Jameis Winston turns the ball over twice, helping Dallas shut the door on Tampa.
Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20
Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) runs over Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during the second half of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Grimaldi, Contributor
Prediction: The Dallas Cowboys are coming off their first loss in three months, the last time they lost, they responded with an 11 game winning streak. The Cowboys don’t need to win that many in a row now, but getting back on the right track would be a step in the right direction. In come the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have won five straight games of their own.
This is an interesting match-up since the Bucs bring a strong defense to challenge rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, who is struggling a bit. But they are on the smallish side, led by linebacker LaVonte David.
The Cowboys bring a physical front that likes to wear teams down. So controlling the line of scrimmage and winning the time of possession battle will be big for Dallas. Tampa does cause turnovers, but they give up over 110 yard per game on the ground and the Cowboys should have no problem gashing the defense with Ezekiel Elliott.
Due to the running game, expect Dallas to have more success on early downs and give Prescott more manageable third downs to convert. This feels like a game where Prescott plays extremely well and leads the team back from their offensive doldrums.
Tampa doesn’t do anything special on offense and are led by second-year quarterback Jameis Winston. Although Winston is much improved, he still has plenty to work on and the defensive front for Dallas will make the young quarterback uncomfortable.
The Cowboys will be keying in on big play wide receiver Mike Evans, and even though Evans is likely to have a good game, it won’t be enough. The Buccaneers don’t have the weapons to beat the Dallas Cowboys, who’s defense is beginning to play better.
Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 30, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17
Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley (11) and guard Zack Martin (70) and center Travis Frederick (72) celebrate during the game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmy Long, Contributor
Prediction: 11 wins. 2 losses. 3 games left. The Dallas Cowboys have an opportunity on Sunday to place themselves in prime position to win the NFC East, as well as the entire NFC. With two wins in the remaining three games, the Cowboys can clinch both the division and the conference, no matter what the Giants or Lions do down the stretch. Winning against the Buccaneers gets them within one win of achieving those goals.
The Cowboys offense has been anemic over the past two games. That is going to change this week. Yes, I am aware that the Buccaneers have been playing outstanding defense recently. And I know they have plenty of threats on offense as well. That won’t matter.
The game is set for Sunday night, in Dallas. You better believe AT&T Stadium will be rocking. The Cowboys will have an incredible home field advantage. Not to mention, this team will be hungry for a win, after dropping their second game to the rival Giants.
Looking at Tampa Bay’s losses this year, they’ve struggled when they play explosive offenses with good offensive lines, losing games to the Raiders and the Falcons, among other opponents. I think the Cowboys fit nicely into that mold.
With a rebounding offensive performance, and the defense playing solid again, the Cowboys will make a statement, and show the league why they should remain the favorites to host the Lombardi Trophy in February.
Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14