Gameday Prediction: Bucs Quest For Repeat Begins Against Cowboys
3 min read
via buccaneers.com
The quest to go Back-to-Back officially begins
The Bucs title defense begins tonight when they open their season against the Dallas Cowboys in front of a sold-out crowd at Raymond James Stadium. This will be the first time both teams have played in front of a stadium full of fans since the 2019 season, as the pandemic kept most fans from attending games last season.
Fortunately for the Bucs faithful, quarterback Tom Brady is undefeated against “America’s Team” as he sits with a 5-0 record with 1,354 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. Not too shabby for the 43-year old veteran who is entering his 22nd season in the league. Unfortunately, Dak Prescott will be returning to action since an ankle injury derailed his 2020 season and will have to do so without Pro Bowl guard Zach Martin, which means the Bucs championship defense will look to feast on the opportunity.
Below are a few predictions for this Week 1 matchup
Bucs will defeat Cowboys despite series record
It’s no secret that Dallas has the Bucs’ number when it comes to the series record(15-4) while outscoring the Bucs 305-265. When both teams last met during the 2018 season, Dallas managed to escape with a 27-20 win after early miscues from the visiting Bucs.
That indeed won’t be the case tonight as Brady will look to keep that goose egg intact. Look for Brady to have a huge game, passing for over 300-yards and at minimum 3 touchdowns. At the same time, expect wideouts Chris Godwin and Mike Evans to have monster games as both should be on the receiving end of at least 100-yard games with a touchdown on the stat sheet. The sleeper to also pay attention to is veteran wideout, Antonio Brown, as his speed could help open things up for the offense. When it is all said and done, expect the Bucs to walk away with a 30-10 victory to begin the season 1-0.
The defense will feast on Dak Prescott
As mentioned earlier, the Cowboys will be without Pro Bowl guard Zach Martin, as he has been placed on the COVID list for the team’s Week 1 matchup. This should be great news when it comes to Tampa’s pass rush. Expect big things from the reigning Super Bowl Champion defense as they are predicted to sack Prescott at least 4 times — Barrett with 2 and Suh and White with 1 — along with capturing at least 2 turnovers via interceptions by Carlton Davis III and Antoine Winfield. Expect the Bucs defense to hold Dak and the offense to under 200-yards passing while keeping running back Ezekiel Elliott to just under 50 yards rushing.
This is a very bold prediction, but how can you bet against the defending Super Bowl Champions, who are carrying an 8-game win streak dating back to Week 14 of last season.
What are your score predictions for the Week 1 matchup? Let us know in the comments using #BucsLife or #BetweenTheHashes. Also, tune in to the debut of Between The Hashes Pre-Game Show at 6 pm, streaming exclusively on both Bucs Life Media and Between The Hashes Facebook Pages.
