The pass-rush of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should thrive opening night. No doubt the group is looking forward to powering the Buccaneers to a win.
Injuries are unfortunately a huge part of football. You never, ever like to see a player go down, but unfortunately it’s a part of the game and the job. Nobody needs to remind the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the two teams squaring off in the final game in the much anticipated opening NFL Sunday of this fact.
Both teams have been absolutely ransacked with injuries during the preseason training camp, but such is life in the NFL. Both teams have been battling injuries in the trenches which is unfortunate, given that is where games are won and lost week after week, year after year.
The Cowboys recently lost their perennial all-pro, and oft-injured, left tackle Tyron Smith for potentially the entire regular season. This is hugely significant, because the Dallas offense is never the same when Smith is out of the lineup. Dak Prescott can never produce the way he usually does, primarily because Smith’s absence hinders the running game. Simply put, if Ezekiel Elliott can’t go, neither can Prescott.
It remains to be seen who will be starting a left tackle for the Cowboys on opening night, however they did just sign Jason Peters out of what appeared to be retirement. Peters himself is a lock for Canton down the road, however his best days are far from ahead of him. Now 40, Peters really has not been the same player, health or quality wise, pretty much since getting hurt during the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl championship season of 2017. While he is a great locker room presence to have as a mentor, on the field is a different story.
The Cowboys offensive line does still have strength in the intention, primarily thanks to Zack Martin, but fortunately for the Buccaneers, newly-named captain Vita Vea can basically neutralize the entire interior of an offensive line on his own.
Which this all being the case, the Bucs pass-rushers should be licking their chops to get after it on Sunday. With the signing of Carl Nassib to go along with certified stud Shaq Barrett and second year man Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, plus solid rotational edge-rusher Anthony Nelson, arguably one of the deepest pass rush groups resides in Tampa Bay.
This all adds up to be the perfect storm for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come opening night. They should come away with a win, and their pass rush will be one of, if not the biggest reason for the W. Of course, Tom Brady will probably help out a bit too.