NFL Analysis Network

3 things to watch for the Cowboys in Week 1 vs. Buccaneers

The Dallas Cowboys have some good expectations for the 2021 season after injuries derailed their 2020 season. Dak Prescott and the offensive line all suffered injuries and the defense was one of the worst in franchise history.

Mike McCarthy could be on the hot seat entering his second season as head coach. If the team doesn’t turn things around, he could find himself without a job once again. But, Week 1 will not be easy.

The Cowboys are taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the season opener as the Buccaneers will have their ring ceremony. The Cowboys will have their hands full to win the game.

Here are three things to watch for when the Cowboys take the field against the Buccaneers on September 9th.

3. Will The Secondary Hold Up?

One of the biggest issues the Dallas Cowboys faced in 2020 was their inability to slow teams down through the air. Opposing offenses cut through Dallas’ defense like a hot knife through butter when passing the ball.

Dallas did very little to shore up the secondary, as Trevon Diggs will be tasked with slowing down the opponent’s No. 1 wide receiver. The problem when it comes to Tampa Bay is that they have three.

Chris Godwin, Mike Evans and Antonio Brown are all legitimate No. 1 options for Tom Brady to throw to. If the secondary cannot hold up, Dallas will get their doors blown off.

2. Can They Get A Pass Rush?

The Dallas Cowboys are hoping they can get after the quarterback a little more this season. Dan Quinn’s system is one that people feel more comfortable in and they will put that to the test in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The only thing that has slowed down Tom Brady at all in his career is a consistent pass rush getting in his face. Can the Cowboys generate that consistently enough in Week 1 to knock him off rhythm?

Dallas has high hopes for Randy Gregory this season and it would go a long way to improving his and the team’s confidence if he can come out and disrupt Brady and the Bucs in Week 1.

1. Dak Prescott’s Health

The one thing that will really determine what the Dallas Cowboys can accomplish this season is the health of Dak Prescott. As long as he is under center, they will have a chance to win games each and every week.

Prescott has been banged up recently, as he suffered an ankle injury that ended his season in Week 5 last year. This offseason he has dealt with a shoulder ailment. This game against the Buccaneers will be the first time we see how healthy he really is.

If Prescott is hampered in any way, Dallas will find it extremely difficult to keep up with Tampa Bay in this Week 1 matchup.

Share on Facebook
Share On Twitter

NFL Analyst Gives Dallas Cowboys Shocking Advice

The Dallas Cowboys have maintained a low profile during the offseason, surprising many following their disappointing playoff defeat against the Packers. Despite being the final

Eagles Urged To Sign Former All-Pro Defensive Lineman

The Philadelphia Eagles have been busy this offseason, but there are still some roster issues that the team needs to address. Like, for example, how

Former NFL GM Explains How Eagles’ Saquon Barkley Helps Jalen Hurts

The Philadelphia Eagles signed running back Saquon Barkley in free agency, and former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum thinks it will make life much easier