3 reasons the Cowboys will beat Tampa Bay in the Wild Card Round

2. Balance is in the Cowboys’ favor

One thing that’s always true about offenses led by Tom Brady is that they’re typically very pass-heavy. As far as the 2022 Bucs go, that’s an understatement.

Heading into this one, Tampa’s first in passing attempts and second in yards through the air but dead last in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns. Yes, Brady does often throw short passes that act as an extension of the run game but the defense will have an advantage when they know what’s coming.

Dallas, on the other hand, boasts a very balanced attack. They finished in the top 15 for passing yards — despite Prescott missing five games — and ninth in the league in rushing yards.

The balance goes beyond running and passing, however, as the Cowboys are also fourth in the NFL in scoring on offense and their defense is fifth in stopping the opponent from scoring. Tampa Bay, on the other hand, is 25th in scoring and 13th in points allowed.

When the two teams met in Week 1, that was reversed. Tampa Bay had 33 rushing attempts and just 27 passes compared to 42 attempts and 18 rushes for Dallas. That was reflected on the scoreboard as Tampa won easily but the teams have gone in opposite directions since then, and the Cowboys are now the more complete team.