Buccaneers: How to Stop Ezekiel Elliott on Sunday Night

Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 9
Next
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) celebrates a sack by Robert Ayers Jr. (91) in the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) celebrates a sack by Robert Ayers Jr. (91) in the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Get Some Push Up Front

Ezekiel Elliott has been running wild all year long. It won’t be easy for the Buccaneers to stop him this Sunday night. It’ll take a complete effort from the entire defense. But, as important as Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David will be, the key to stopping the young rookie will be the push from the defensive line.

The front four has played lights out for Tampa Bay during this current five-game winning streak. They’ve done an excellent job of stopping the run, in addition to getting after the quarterback. They’ll have to continue to get good pressure this week if they want to keep Elliott in check. It’s no big secret that the Dallas offensive line is a major part of the rookie’s success. The group is one of the best in the league, and it has done an outstanding job of opening holes for Elliott all year long.

Robert Ayers and Noah Spence will need to get pressure off the edge, while Gerald McCoy will need to make plays in the middle. If the Tampa Bay front four can get some push against that talented Cowboys offensive line, stopping Elliott will be a bit more manageable.

Bailey Adams