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Buccaneers: How to Stop Ezekiel Elliott on Sunday Night

By Alan Schechter

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 /
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Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) runs out of the tunnel as he is introduced before the game against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) runs out of the tunnel as he is introduced before the game against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Pressure Up the Middle

The key to stopping Zeke is right up the middle – a strength of these Bucs as of late. Kwon Alexander will play a pivotal role Sunday and I fully expect him to be assigned to go man-on-man with Elliott all game long.

Gerald McCoy’s push on the line has been astounding recently and is a big reason for the defensive line’s success during this five game run. If Zeke is bouncing outside or the vaunted Dallas offensive line is able to neutralize McCoy, it’ll rest on Kwon’s shoulders to be the man to keep Elliott in check.

This isn’t impossible by any means. We’ve seen this Bucs defense stop running back after running back this season. If a back is performing well early, Mike Smith makes the proper adjustments to get his defense in position to succeed.

This game all boils down to forcing Dak Prescott into passing situations and getting after him with the defensive line and blitzes. If Ezekiel Elliott gets going, it could be a long night for the Bucs.

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