Cowboys: Bucs' weakness provides huge opportunity to win season opener
The Dallas Cowboys know very well how it feels to have question marks across their offensive line. Fortunately for them, their Week 1 opponent has a similar problem heading into Sunday Night. Once seen as one of the very best units in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line is facing significant issues. They […]
The Dallas Cowboys know very well how it feels to have question marks across their offensive line. Fortunately for them, their Week 1 opponent has a similar problem heading into Sunday Night.
Once seen as one of the very best units in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line is facing significant issues. They have three new starters inside, two of which are inexperienced. At right guard, they do get an upgrade over Alex Cappa in Shaq Mason but even if right tackle Tristan Wirfs plays versus the Cowboys, he'll do so nursing an oblique strain.
But if we narrow it down, it's the center and the left guard that provide a clear point of emphasis for Dan Quinn's defense. By now, the storyline of Tom Brady struggling versus inside pressure is almost a cliché. But it stands true even in 2022.
At left guard, the Cowboys will target a rookie with no NFL experience that had a few bad reps versus the Tennesee Titans in the preseason. In the game, Luke Goedeke was called for two offensive holdings and was blown up with power.
Versus the Indianapolis Colts, Goedeke didn't look particularly better.
Now, of course, this is preseason football we're talking about. But the Cowboys should still target this matchup as a potential game changer on Sunday Night.
At center, Hainsey provides 31 snaps of experience on offense after taking over an injured Ryan Jensen. Although Tom Brady didn't miss as many practice sessions as the media outrage would suggest he did, how he adapts to a new center is a fair question mark.
How will the Cowboys attack the Bucs' weak spot?
This will undoubtedly be one of the top stories to follow throughout the game. Will the Cowboys bet on their defensive tackles stepping up and generating pressure? Despite not adding any big name to the position, Dallas is expecting a step forward from Osa Odighizuwa, Quinton Bohanna, and Neville Gallimore, among others.
Or will Dan Quinn send the dogs versus Brady? Micah Parsons and Anthony Barr are especially good as pass-rushing linebackers which could lead to some pressure looks in the A and B gaps.
Quinn also used plenty of hybrid fronts that featured four defensive ends in passing situations. It's anybody's guess how the Cowboys' defense goes about things in this game. But one thing is for certain. This unit's versatility will be key in exploiting what's become a clear hole in the Bucs' line.
For more on this, check out Monday's episode of my nightly show A to Z Sports Primetime!
Featured image via Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
