The Keys To Sunday Night’s Game
September 10th, 2022
Always about Tom Brady.
Trivia: Name something Tom Brady and Joe Montana have in common, other than they are both right-handed and have multiple Super Bowl rings.
Answer: They own the Cowboys.
Both Brady and Montana are 5-0 against the Cowboys. No other quarterback has at least five starts against the Cowboys and is undefeated. So that’s a good sign for tomorrow night, no?
Jenna Laine of ESPN has interesting data. The Cowboys love to play man defense in the secondary. And they have most of their secondary intact returning from last year’s season-opener against the Bucs.
No team played more man coverage than the Cowboys last season at 62%. Dallas returns seven of its top nine defensive backs by snaps played from last season. In last season’s Week 1 meeting, it allowed Brady to throw four TDs against its man coverage but did not allow more than two passing touchdowns against man coverage in any other game.
On face value that appears to be a great sign for the Bucs, but remember two guys who played a major role in their passing game last year won’t be on the field, and a third guy might not be.
The Bucs could be down three guys from last year’s game that amassed 316 yards receiving and four touchdowns in nutcase Antonio Brown (121 yards, touchdown), Chris Godwin (105 yards, touchdown) and foot-rubbing Rob Gronkowski (90 yards, two touchdowns).
While apples-to-apples it appears Brady should roast the Cowboys once again, who will step up and fill those numbers?
That’s a lot of offense to replace.
Also remember last year’s game was the first for Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. It stands to reason that everything about Quinn’s defense is better.
September 10th, 2022 at 8:11 am
The key for me is to pace myself on the BroMosa’s and a Publix chicken tender sub during the early games.
September 10th, 2022 at 8:17 am
Will try a chicken tender sub. Sounds good.
September 10th, 2022 at 8:19 am
I’m just looking forward to the Brady hype-video he drops before the game tomorrow. Need some of that in my life right now!
LFGGGGGGGGGGGGGO
September 10th, 2022 at 8:20 am
Suh!
September 10th, 2022 at 8:24 am
Will be a tough game for sure.
September 10th, 2022 at 8:28 am
The key to the game is to get good yardage on 1st down and not put ourselves in a hole early. Same goes for penalties and turnovers. Minimize those on offense and we have a good chance to put up the usual 30+ points.
September 10th, 2022 at 8:31 am
Both offenses can score a LOT of points (they did rank #1 & #2 last year). This game will come down to which team has the best DEFENSE, especially towards the end of the game.
September 10th, 2022 at 8:41 am
The key to the game is to score more points than the Cboys . Your welcome.
September 10th, 2022 at 8:53 am
So much focus has been on our offense……losses of players….Godwin injury, interior line….Brady…
But almost none on our defense…..I think it will surprise….it is healthy, has depth and is more experienced….especially our secondary.
And, don’t forget about our new punter!!!
September 10th, 2022 at 8:54 am
“It stands to reason that everything about Quinn’s defense is better.”
Hello, Mike Smith!
Former Falcon’s HC, turned DC and had great results on first year back to DC.
Second year? We’ll see
Go Bucs!!!
September 10th, 2022 at 8:56 am
Play defense.
September 10th, 2022 at 8:58 am
If they play cover 1 or cover 3 both Mike Evans and Julio are going to have huge games.
September 10th, 2022 at 9:39 am
Wondering how much of an impact the situation with Gisele is going to have on his performance on Sunday night.
September 10th, 2022 at 9:42 am
The defense will have to step up this time, can’t always look to Brady for answers.
September 10th, 2022 at 9:48 am
If the cowboys play man coverage Mike Evans and Julio will have big games.
September 10th, 2022 at 9:49 am
Ball control, Time of Possession will be a major key to this game. Dallas does not want to get in a shootout with us.
The Bucs will certainly pass the ball. However, they will have to pick their spots to do so.
I foresee a run early and often attack from us. I want to see a balanced attack though.
If CG and RG are no goes.
I want to see the Bucs feature a 2 back set with #41 acting as #12s personal bodyguard.
September 10th, 2022 at 10:01 am
There is no key to the game. Bucs offensive line has a gaping hole in the middle . Brady will be sacked under relentless pressure and we will have a succession of 3 and outs .
The Bucs defense is improved , however they will be on the field for an extended period of time . Eventually they will wear our .
I am a looking at something like a 27-3 Cowgirls win.
September 10th, 2022 at 10:06 am
Tbbf..
Our corners are still our corners… Hoping for the best. Fortunately Dallas doesn’t appear to be loaded with great pass catchers.
September 10th, 2022 at 10:14 am
George / Jeff, do you ever get tired of the Doom & gloom? What will you be saying on Monday if the outcome is drastically different? Will you man up? Do you even like this team? I guess we shall see.
September 10th, 2022 at 10:23 am
Turnovers. I think the offense has to play conservative and will score less than last year. I’d like to see the defense not give up over 400 yards and hold the boys to less points as well. It’ll be close and turnovers will decide the winner.
Penalties are going to be annoying and numerous. Much like last year’s game 1
September 10th, 2022 at 10:24 am
Dan Quinn always used a 4 man rush, and played mostly 2 deep zone when he was in Seattle.
Of course, he had The Legion Of Boom back then.
So, if the Cowboys are playing a lot of Man Coverage, it would seem that Dan Quinn has changed his defense, from what he used to do.
No matter, because we have too many great receivers to cover, and Brady to find them!
September 10th, 2022 at 10:35 am
The key to tomorrow nights game is very simple DO NOT run up the gut on every first down. Thats all i have to say about that.
September 10th, 2022 at 10:37 am
Steven007,
It’s not a man, so it’s hard to believe it will man up.
Besides, that poster comes back every year with a different handle spewing garbage. Best to not address it directly.
Honestly, I think it gets off on aggravating people.
September 10th, 2022 at 10:40 am
i wonder what it says on tom’s shirt below the words tampa bay buccaneers…???
the small print???
September 10th, 2022 at 10:41 am
First time commenting on this uniquely interesting platform. (Which I enjoy btw) I was a Patriots fan from birth and followed the G.O.A.T. on my football fandom journey to the Krewe! Coming from the cold winters of Belichick in New England I can relish in the sunshine and wins like never before. I have the ultimate faith in TB12 and the rest of our Armada to overcome that team from Texas. This year will be special for everyone included and let’s just take a moment before the grind really begins and enjoy how far we’ve all come and how much further we are going to go! Go Bucs and let’s bring that Lombardi home with that final win in Arizona! LFG!!!!!!
September 10th, 2022 at 10:42 am
also i think tom looks a little emotionally drained or something…
the eyes def don’t look right…
i saw the interview…
wifey could be taking a toll on him…
old, tired, drained…it can happen if home life is in shambles…
hopefully he is ok
September 10th, 2022 at 10:50 am
Steven007
If proven wrong I will definitely man up and eat crow.
Outside of the grievous o line issue, this is a very strong team .
September 10th, 2022 at 10:55 am
I know I’m not the only person saying it but I think Julio will have a monster game Sunday.
September 10th, 2022 at 11:04 am
You have to spin the dial with Brady. If you stay in a particular cover to long, he’ll roast you. Im expecting a bunch of short and intermediate passes. More interested to see how the cowboys will attack the defense. They basically abandoned the run last year.
September 10th, 2022 at 11:08 am
Will you Mary Janes quit worrying about Tom’s personal life. I hear Hallmark runs nothing but chick movies. Maybe that’s more your style.
September 10th, 2022 at 11:29 am
Welcome Prez! 👍
September 10th, 2022 at 11:40 am
Thanks Joe!
September 10th, 2022 at 11:50 am
If rushing four is not successful for the Cowboys, it’s over. Brady has weapons to kill by a thousand cuts or a dagger to the heart. Todd Bowles will have no problem with the two-headed monster and Dak’s arm is not the Sword of Damocles.
September 10th, 2022 at 12:28 pm
Keeping a spy on Dak will be key to the Bucs fortunes as Dak will hurt you with his legs. Getting the ball out quick on pass plays will be another key on offense. Bucs 34 Cowgirls 27.
September 10th, 2022 at 12:43 pm
The key for this game imo is how comfortable brady will be in the pocket and open the playbook.
On defense , how is our safeties.
September 10th, 2022 at 1:13 pm
The key, as always, is preparation.
Of course, without film on this team, being the first game of the season, you can only prepare for last years tendencies.
Regardless of the similarities to last years cowgirls, there have been enough changes to change a game plan.
SO… the key for this game will be adjustments to the game plan.
1st quarter adjustments, halftime, hopefully by then we’ll be dialed in.
Making no adjustments whatsoever will worry me, unless we’re just walking away with it.
September 10th, 2022 at 1:26 pm
Jeff McClain – Sword of Damocles – ROTFL!
September 10th, 2022 at 1:42 pm
Great post prez. I felt like welcoming you, too, but I don’t really have the right to do that. lol. I did enjoy your expressions, though. I hate to prognosticate but I think the Bucs will easily beat Dallas, and it bothers me when anyone says anything else. 🙂
September 10th, 2022 at 1:56 pm
I think everyone is underestimating Julio. The guy is going to find openings that the Cowboys in man coverage won’t be able to handle.
September 10th, 2022 at 2:39 pm
I’d love to see what Brady did in that one whole series against the Titans in preseason except do it the whole game. Run the two minute drill the entire game, giving no time for substitutions by Dallas. It allowed him to get the ball out quick and makes it nearly impossible for defenses to change their schemes.
September 10th, 2022 at 2:48 pm
I’m thinking 34 – 17 bucs…
I think the defense will be special and offense with short fields will convert.
September 10th, 2022 at 3:43 pm
George — Maybe I missed it, but it seems you did not man up when you said that Brady was unlikely to return when he was away from the team.
September 10th, 2022 at 5:18 pm
Julio 1td
Mike 1td
Lenny 1td
Brady sneaks 1 td
Defense scores 1 td
there u go
September 10th, 2022 at 6:33 pm
Here’s a key to the game. Our special teams have honesty sucked for years. Nothing ever changes.
We’ll average 19 yards a kickoff return and 5 yards a punt return. It’s sickening to see this garbage on a SB contender. Let’s hope Rashad is better than the dud Darden.
September 10th, 2022 at 7:06 pm
Dallas I Think is going to throw the kitchen sink at Hainsey and Godecke in the 1st quarter. If they hold up, the Bucs will win.
September 10th, 2022 at 11:13 pm
Brady struggles with Cover 2 combined with a strong pass rush. That’s what we will see Sunday. Bucs 20 Girls 31
September 11th, 2022 at 4:50 am
Uh Jeff, how is Dak going to get 31 points with one WR and a shoddy OL on his side as well and the Bucs will have pressure on him??? You got the score correct but reversed Bucs 31- the Jerry Jones’s 20.