Like Indianapolis, Tampa Bay has an undersized defense front that relies on speed and movement. The Colts slowed the Cowboys early but wore down late in the game when Julius Jones and Marion Barber took over. Dallas must do a better job of getting the run game going earlier.
WHEN THE COWBOYS PASS
EDGE:
Buccaneers coordinator Monte Kiffin has made the Cover-2 defense, which limits big plays down the field, an art form. But it also leaves the middle of the field open, and tight end Jason Witten is getting into a rhythm with Tony Romo. Without Simeon Rice, Tampa Bay is missing its best pass rusher.
WHEN THE BUCCANEERS RUN
EDGE:
After rushing for 1,178 yards in 2005, Cadillac Williams has 619 yards this season, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. But he did have 122 yards Sunday against Washington. Tampa Bay's offensive line, with rookies Jeremy Trueblood and Davin Joseph manning the right side, is not filled with people movers, and the Cowboys have some immovable objects up front.
WHEN THE BUCCANEERS PASS
EDGE:
Rookie Bruce Gradkowski is difficult to rattle as evidenced by his four interceptions in 239 pass attempts. He gets rid of the ball quickly and averages 5.05 yards per completion. The Cowboys need to pressure Gradkowski into mistakes. Former Cowboy Joey Galloway remains a big-play threat (16.5 yards per catch, five touchdowns) but Gradkowski does not throw a good deep ball.
SPECIAL TEAMS
EDGE:
The kicker the Cowboys wanted in free agency, Matt Bryant, re-signed with the Bucs, prompting the Cowboys to go after Mike Vanderjagt. Bryant is 9-of-12 on the season; Vanderjagt is 12-of-17. Two of the best coverage units will be on display as well. The Bucs and Cowboys are allowing just 19 yards per kickoff return, best in the league.
INTANGIBLES
EDGE:
EVEN
This is Tampa Bay's first trip to Texas Stadium for Thanksgiving, and it is 1-7 in Irving. It takes time to get used to playing a game on such short rest. The Cowboys know how it feels to play two games so quickly. Plus, the Cowboys are riding a wave of emotion.
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