Buccaneers: How to Stop Ezekiel Elliott on Sunday Night

9 of 9

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) carries the ball during a game at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Stack the Box

This fantastic young talent has been causing teams fits all season long. Mike Smith is going to have the defense cheat up a bit, and use some eight or nine-man boxes. If they are going to have a chance to overload the Dallas line, extra guys will be the way to do it. Elliott has an ability to hit even a small crease quickly, and it’s an ability beyond his years. More guys will give the Bucs a chance.

Even with that, Ezekiel is likely to put numbers up. He has done it all year. Get after Prescott. Last week against the Giants, Prescott completed seven passes against the blitz for just 47 yards, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). If the Bucs can get in his face, and use some stacked boxes, they can pull the upset in big D.

–Alan Schechter

You have heard from us, now it’s your turn. How do we pull off the upset? Sound off below.

Home/Bucs News