Cowboys vs. Buccaneers Week 5: How Dallas Can Attack Tampa Bay | Broaddus’s Scout’s Eye

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter this matchup with Dallas at 0-4, but their record does not reflect the quality of their defense.

Three straight opponents have been held under 300 total yards, and Tampa Bay has been one of the league's better teams against the run.

That's what stands out to me going into this game.

The Cowboys are facing a team that has struggled to win, but not necessarily a team that has struggled to defend.

And with Tampa Bay coming to Dallas on a short week, there are some specific areas where I think the Cowboys need to attack.

OFFENSE

The Quarterback Situation Matters

Baker Mayfield's thumb injury has put rookie Jalon Daniels in the starting lineup for a second straight week.

Daniels made his first NFL start against Green Bay, throwing for 148 yards and a touchdown while adding 55 yards rushing. Tampa Bay is using his mobility as part of the offense, with read-option concepts and pistol formations giving the Buccaneers a college-style element.

Dallas has to account for Daniels as a runner without sacrificing rush-lane discipline.

That's going to be one of the most important parts of the defensive plan.

Attack Tampa Bay's Offensive Line

This is the area where I think Dallas should be aggressive.

Tristan Wirfs remains a quality left tackle, and Graham Barton anchors the interior, but the right side of the line has struggled.

Cody Mauch and Luke Goedeke have had problems, particularly when opponents mug the interior gaps and force them to sort out pressure quickly.

The Cowboys should challenge the guards with interior pressure.

Make Daniels make quick decisions, but do it without losing your rush lanes.

His ability to escape can turn a good defensive rep into a big play if everyone isn't disciplined.

Running Game

Bucky Irving is Tampa's most dangerous offensive player.

He entered this matchup averaging 4.5 yards per carry and has continued to show the ability to make the first defender miss.

Dallas has to limit his ability to turn modest gains into explosive runs by getting multiple defenders to the football.

Tampa has also used heavier personnel, including 13-personnel packages with three tight ends.

That can create a physical matchup for Dallas, particularly because the Cowboys have had their problems defending tight ends.

Cade Otton is a legitimate receiving threat and another player the Cowboys need to identify.

Receivers

Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan give Tampa Bay a capable receiving group, but the passing game has been limited by inconsistent protection and quarterback play.

Dallas should avoid giving up easy first-down completions and force the Buccaneers into longer-yardage situations.

Make them earn it.

DEFENSE

This is the side of the ball that presents the bigger challenge for Dallas.

Todd Bowles will vary his pre-snap looks and pressure packages, using simulated pressures and different rush angles to create one-on-one matchups.

Tampa Bay has held three consecutive opponents below 300 total yards and currently ranks fourth in the NFL in total defense and third against the run.

That's not an 0-4 defense.

Tampa Bay's Defensive Front

Tampa Bay was allowing just 3.12 yards per carry entering the Green Bay game.

Vita Vea remains a problem inside, while A'Shawn Robinson adds strength to the front.

The Buccaneers' linebackers play downhill, and Dallas may not find much success repeatedly running into loaded boxes.

This is where Dak Prescott needs to be ready to check out of unfavorable looks.

Spread Tampa Bay out.

Make the defensive backs cover.

Force Bowles to declare his intentions.

Then attack where the numbers favor you.

The Secondary Without Antoine Winfield Jr.

This is where I think Dallas has an opportunity.

Antoine Winfield Jr. will miss Thursday night's game after suffering a rib fracture, and that's a significant loss for Tampa Bay.

Winfield isn't just another safety.

His absence affects Tampa's coverage ability and some of the disguise that Bowles can use before the snap.

Dallas should test that communication.

Move CeeDee Lamb around.

Put him in the slot.

Use stacks.

Use motion.

Make the secondary communicate and adjust.

Those formations can create favorable matchups and expose the defense when Bowles sends pressure.

WHAT I WOULD ATTACK

Offensively, I'd spread Tampa Bay out, make the defensive backs cover and avoid repeatedly snapping the ball into loaded boxes.

Lamb should be featured underneath and at intermediate depth, while George Pickens can be targeted outside when pressure leaves the corners isolated.

The Cowboys' protection communication will still be important against Bowles' pressure packages, but spacing and formation variation can reduce Tampa Bay's ability to dictate the matchup.

Defensively, Dallas should attack the Buccaneers' interior protection with twists and pressure through the A and B gaps.

The rush has to remain disciplined enough to prevent Daniels from escaping through the middle.

Keep an Eye on David Walker

One player I want to keep an eye on is David Walker.

Through four games, he's shown the ability to create pressure in limited pass-rush opportunities.

The Cowboys cannot overlook him simply because Tampa Bay has other players who receive more attention.

Those are the types of rotational rushers who can take advantage when the protection is focused on the obvious names.

THE SCOUT'S EYE

I don't think the Cowboys can look at Tampa Bay's 0-4 record and assume this will be an easy game.

This defense is playing well.

The Buccaneers have been stopping the run, creating pressure and making offenses work for yards.

The loss of Antoine Winfield Jr. helps Dallas, and that's something I believe the Cowboys should take advantage of.

On defense, Dallas needs to attack the Tampa Bay guards, stay disciplined against Jalon Daniels and keep Bucky Irving from turning small plays into explosive runs.

On offense, I want Dallas to spread Tampa out, force the secondary to communicate and make Todd Bowles declare how he wants to defend the Cowboys' receivers.

I think Dallas should be able to outscore Tampa Bay in this game, but it's not going to be as easy as the Buccaneers' record might suggest.

— Bryan Broaddus