4 bold predictions for the Cowboys vs. Buccaneers Week 1 game
So the time has come for the Dallas Cowboys to kick off their season and they’ve been given a chance to get revenge on the team that spoiled their season opener in 2021 in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Many questions remain surrounding both teams and how they will be able to perform, considering the starters still on the sideline and several playmakers’ chances of playing remaining up in the air. For the Cowboys, it will be important to come out fast and keep the pressure on the Buccaneers to play catch up.
If they want that to happen, they will need to have a few things go in their favor; that’s where these four bold predictions come into play. Let’s get into it with my four bold predictions for the Cowboys vs Buccaneers game this Sunday night.
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- Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) (Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
4. Ezekiel Elliott Returns to Form
The last time these two teams faced off, Elliott was healthy, but was only about to rush for 33 yards on 11 carries, with his longest run going for 13 yards. Against this formidable Buccaneers run defense, that’s to be expected but if there was ever a time for the Cowboys’ big money running back to have an impact on a game, it will need to come Sunday night to help Dak Prescott and this passing game.
Elliott has made it a point to let everyone know that he is healthy and ready to go this season after dealing with a nagging knee injury last season.
#Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott says this year they've opened up the offense with more packages for he and Tony Pollard both on the field. Ahead of TB, he expects a lot of tight boxes. Bucs want you to throw it vs. run it
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 7, 2022
This time around, without Ndamukong Suh playing next to Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vita Vea, Elliott should have more of an opportunity to be effective in the running game on Sunday.
The Cowboys have also put effort into fixing this offensive line, directly to benefit Elliott and Prescott. So look for Elliott to have an early impact on this game and end the game with around 100 yards on the ground Sunday night with two touchdowns as well.