Cowboys: Imminent decision will shape game vs. Buccaneers
Over the next few days, the Tampa Bay Buccanneers have a big decision to make heading into their playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. The end result of it could result in one of two things for the Cowboys. A match-up advantage and the recipe for slowing down Tom Brady, who's famously undefeated against Dallas.The […]
Over the next few days, the Tampa Bay Buccanneers have a big decision to make heading into their playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The end result of it could result in one of two things for the Cowboys.
- A match-up advantage and the recipe for slowing down Tom Brady, who's famously undefeated against Dallas.
- The scariest version of the Bucs we've seen this season.
I'm talking about the potential return of starting center Ryan Jensen, who missed the entire regular season due to a significant knee injury suffered in training camp. Ahead of Week 17, the Buccaneers activated Jensen's 21-day practice window.
"I’ll give you the same answer as last week,” Bucs HC Todd Bowles said Monday when asked about Jensen's status. "He’s status-quo, he’s working hard and we’d like to see him out there, but we’ll see."
The Cowboys know a potential Jensen return would make winning a playoff game on the road even more difficult.
Tampa Bay hasn't been able to run the football efficiently all year long as they rank 30th in rush offense DVOA.
That starts up front.
In the last couple of seasons, the Bucs had been able to overpower teams with double-team blocking schemes like duo, inviting defenses to load up the box before letting Brady fire deep shots to a talented wide receiver core.
Ahead of their game against the Cowboys, the Bucs' running game could receive a major boost if their star offensive lineman returns in time. However, it remains to be seen if he will.
But here's the thing. If Jensen is unable to play, Tampa Bay may be in trouble. They might be forced to play their #3 center. Jensen's backup, Robert Hainsey, suffered a hamstring injury in Week 18.
Per Bowles, Hainsey's status against Dallas is "we'll see."
If Hainsey can't go, the Bucs would have to shuffle their offensive line and perhaps slide left guard Nick Leverret to center. That alone would send a domino effect throughout the offensive line that's struggled all season long.
The Cowboys were able to generate pressure against a banged-up Bucs offensive line in Week 1 as Micah Parsons tallied two sacks. If they're able to do the same on Monday Night, the defense has a chance to shape the game.
Featured image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
