Bucs @ Cowboys

[Vin+ 3,121]

After kicking off their season with an impressive effort against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Dallas Cowboys took a big step back in Week 2.

 

They know that kind of inconsistency won't get them very far going forward.

 

Hoping to bounce back in its home opener, Dallas aims for a fifth consecutive victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who could be under a watchful eye Sunday following their controversial actions last weekend.

 

While a 24-17 win over the New York Giants on Sept. 5 had many singing the Cowboys' praises, Dallas (1-1) looked like a completely different team last Sunday in Seattle. It fumbled four times - losing one - and failed to find much running room in a 27-7 loss.

 

"We want to be a team that can go out there and win and be consistent every week," linebacker Sean Lee said. "That's the identity we're working toward, tough, relentless, hard-nosed football team that's going to be there. We didn't do that. We didn't execute and that's why we lost."

 

Getting their ground game going again could prove crucial for the Cowboys, who were limited to 49 rushing yards against the Seahawks after running for 143 in Week 1. Dallas has dropped 18 of its last 22 when rushing for fewer than 100 yards.

 

"Identity is an ongoing thing. It's an ongoing thing for players, it's an ongoing thing for a football team," coach Jason Garrett said. "At times, we've done a really good job playing to that identity and other times we haven't, but it's emphasized to our team a lot and we're trying to get better and better in that."

 

The Cowboys haven't had much difficulty running the ball during their four-game winning streak in this series, averaging 121.3 yards on the ground. Dallas ran for 160 and outgained Tampa Bay 399-190 overall in a 31-15 road victory Dec. 17.

 

The Buccaneers (1-1) beat Carolina 16-10 in their opener and nearly won in East Rutherford last Sunday, but gave up 25 points in the fourth quarter and lost 41-34 to the Giants.

 

"It hurts, but I still believe in my teammates, and the coaching, and the staff," defensive lineman Michael Bennett said. "It's going to come together and it's going to be something great."

 

In addition to its defensive meltdown, Tampa Bay drew the Giants' ire for ramming into New York's offensive line with Eli Manning set to take a knee with 5 seconds left in the game - a desperate attempt to knock the ball loose.

 

"To me it's a clean, hard, tough, finish-the-game play," first-year coach Greg Schiano said. "Some people disagree with that. That's certainly what makes the world go round. Everybody has opinions. I don't have any remorse or regret. It's clean hard football. It was no sneak attack. We were down ready to go, and that's how we do it all the time."

 

While Schiano doesn't sound like he'd avoid using the tactic again, Garrett isn't too concerned.

 

"I don't want to speak to that situation. That was between Tampa Bay and the Giants. Certainly, there's a style of football they're trying to implement down there in Tampa and feel like that's in some ways indicative of how they want to play, how they're going to handle an end-of-the-game situation," he said.

 

"We're going to focus on our team and the things that we've got to get better at, and preparing for that ball game."

 

Along with an improved rushing effort, the Cowboys need a more efficient performance from Tony Romo, who went 23 for 40 for 251 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Seahawks.

 

The three-time Pro Bowler will face a Buccaneers team that allowed a team-record 510 passing yards to Manning last weekend. Romo has been superb in three career matchups versus Tampa Bay, averaging 302.6 yards while throwing 11 touchdowns and no interceptions.

 

Josh Freeman and Vincent Jackson connected five times for 128 yards and a score last week. The duo will try for another big day against a Cowboys pass defense that's allowing 160.0 yards per game - third lowest in the league.

 

Dallas, though, may not have starting safety Gerald Sensabaugh available due to a calf injury.

 

The Buccaneers have been outscored by an average of 19.8 points during an eight-game road losing streak. They haven't dropped nine in a row as the visiting team since a 10-game skid spanning the 1995 and '96 seasons.

 

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press.

Edited September 25, 2012 by Vin

[AllYouNeedIsLovie 377]

History says that the Bucs will lose this one because we never seem to have our way with Dallas, but I have a feeling the Bucs are going to pull this one out. I expect the D to come out angry and firing after last Sunday's collapse and I think our run game can have good success, especially if Ratliff is still out. With that being said, I am sure the Cowboys will come out strong after the disappointing loss to the Seahawks so I am expecting a real good game.

[Guest Phailadelphia]

Buccs gave up 600 yards of offense to the Giants? Yeah, I'm taking Dallas.

[NYGIANTSFLYHIGH 1]

[BwareDWare94 723]

I really don't see us losing this game if this team is as good as it thinks it is.

 

Do I think it's that good? No, but they still shouldn't lose this game.

[Barracuda 629]

I'll go Cowboys on this one.

[AllYouNeedIsLovie 377]

Buccs gave up 600 yards of offense to the Giants? Yeah, I'm taking Dallas.

 

We also held the Giants to 16 points through the 1st 3 quarters of the game. Our defense got very tired at the end due to bad play calling and our offenses struggling in the 2nd half and completely fell apart.

 

Our D looked very promising in week 1 and that was because our pass rush was great, while it was non existent against the Giants. The Cowboys o-line is pretty bad so I wouldn't be too confident in the Cowboys throwing all over the Bucs.

[Guest Phailadelphia]

The o-line was awful last year too and Romo threw for what, 4 TDs? That secondary is doodoo.

Edited September 21, 2012 by Phailadelphia

[AllYouNeedIsLovie 377]

The o-line was awful last year too and Romo threw for what, 4 TDs? That secondary is doodoo.

 

LOL. Are you really comparing this years Bucs team to last years? When you faced us, the team gave up on the season. Everyone was crushing us, even the Jaguars put up 41 points. This years team is MUCH different. We are actually playing with energy, our secondary is improved with Eric Wright and Mark Barron here now (pretty sure Talib was out for the Cowboys game too) and Gerald McCoy is healthy which makes a HUGE difference.

 

If you think you're gonna walk all over us again like last year, you will be in a surprise. I'm not saying the Cowboys can't win because I think they have a very good shot at beating us, but it won't be a blowout.

[Milla4Prez63 678]

We've got a chance. My keys to the game:

 

Offense:

-We NEED to get the run game going. That is supposed to be our strength, but we've not been able to consistently grind it out or get big plays in the run game. Get Blount the ball a few times as well.

-Spread it out a little. This may be tough at first because our WR corps behind Jackson and Williams is completly shaken up, but we need to try and spread out Dallas' defense and attack. Get Dallas Clark some matchups on linebackers in the middle of the field too.

-Goes without saying, but no turnovers. We need to play mistake free football to win.

 

Defense:

-We need pass rush without blitzing. We were able to get after Cam Newton, but we didn't bother Eli much at all. Adrian Clayborn is looking like a sophmore slump candidate so far, he needs to get after Romo.

-Try not to blitz so much. We left Talib and Wright on islands way too much.

-Obviously we need the secondary to play better. Hopefully we get either Anthony Gaitor or EJ Biggers back.

[Dutch 874]

Hard to pick a team that gave up 600 yards the previous week... The Bucs burnt me last week when I picked them I think the Bucs definitely are better this year and CAN win this game but I think the Cowboys win it. GO BUCS

 

 

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[housemd 338]

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Edited September 22, 2012 by housemd

[Favre4Ever+ 4,476]

Both teams in this one have so far been a bit bi-polar.... Who knows which team on which side is going to show up. This game, in my opinion, could go ANY direction. Bucs blowouts, Cowboys blowout, Bucs close, Cowboys close.

 

It just all depends what side of the bed these guys wake up on. My gut tells me the Bucs take it in a close one though.

 

However, it must be noted, that I am the worst Pick Em' player, maybe in history... So, lol.

[Vin+ 3,121]

Buccaneers declared RB Michael Smith, CB Anthony Gaitor, CB E.J. Biggers, S Keith Tandy, WR Chris Owusu, OT Jamon Meredith and DE George Johnson inactive for Week 3 versus the Cowboys.

 

Arrelious Benn has replaced Smith as the primary kickoff returner, and may add slot receiver duties to his plate following Sammie Stroughter's season-ending foot injury.

 

 

Cowboys declared FS Gerald Sensabaugh, NT Jay Ratliff, C Phil Costa, S Matt Johnson, LB Alex Albright, DL Kenyon Coleman and WR Cole Beasley inactive for Week 3 versus the Bucs.

 

Special teamer Danny McCray will start for Sensabaugh opposite Barry Church. Josh Brent and the underrated Sean Lissemore will continue to fill in for Ratliff.

[AllYouNeedIsLovie 377]

24

20

 

GO

[AllYouNeedIsLovie 377]

INT Talib on Cowboys 1st drive! WOOOOOO!

[Dutch 874]

INT Talib on Cowboys 1st drive! WOOOOOO!

 

[AllYouNeedIsLovie 377]

Bucs go for it on 4th and 1 on Cowboys 3 and get it. Next play, play action TD to Luke Stocker.

 

7-0

[AllYouNeedIsLovie 377]

DJ Ware drops the pass and it deflects right to Sean Lee.

 

Cowboys capitalize on the turnover and tie it up at 7.

 

I'm getting really tired of not using Blount.

[AllYouNeedIsLovie 377]

Jordan Shipley fumbles the punt.

 

Unfuckingbelievable.

[AllYouNeedIsLovie 377]

So many penalties, such a sloppy game.

 

We FINALLY see Blount in at the play before the 2 minute warning, and what do you know, he picks up 10 yards. KEEP HIM IN!

[Guest Phailadelphia]

A ref's hat just prevented a Dallas TD...

[AllYouNeedIsLovie 377]

McCoy and Bennett with a huge sack to push the Cowboys out of FG range.

 

10-7 Cowboys after the 1st half.

 

Sloppy game, both offenses look like shit.

 

At least the Bucs get the ball 1st after half.

[AllYouNeedIsLovie 377]

This playcalling SUCKS!

[AllYouNeedIsLovie 377]

Thank you Mike Sullivan and Josh Freeman for this loss. Pathetic performance by our offense. Got to give the Cowboys D some credit though. They played well, especially the secondary. Congrats Cowboys fans.