Bucs vs. Cowboys: 5 Key Matchups To Watch – Offense
Each week Pewter Report takes a look at the matchups to watch in the upcoming Bucs game. Here are the five key matchups to watch on offense for the Bucs as they battle the Cowboys defense in a rematch in the Wild Card playoffs at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay won the Week 1 clash, 19-3, at Dallas.
C Robert Hainsey vs. DT Chauncey Golston
The Cowboys have a lot of bodies they can throw at Hainsey – or whoever starts at center for the Bucs. The rookie out of Iowa has really come on lately after moving from defensive end inside to defensive tackle to take the place of the less effective Neville Gallimore. Golston has 22 tackles and one sack on the season, but saw extensive playing time last week at Washington and responded with a career-high 11 tackles. Golston has fresh legs and nice length at 6-foot-5, 280 pounds. While he’s undersized, he does bring additional quickness inside to pair with fellow tackle Osa Odighizuwa. The Cowboys will also play Gallimore (6-2, 302) and Jonathan Hankins (6-2, 320) on early run downs when they want to add more size up front.
The Bucs hope Hainsey can start and play wire-to-wire against the Cowboys after he suffered a hamstring injury early in Week 18 at Atlanta. Not only is Hainsey injured, but so are backup centers Nick Leverett (shoulder/knee) and John Molchon (ankle). The real wild card could be Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen if he can make a return to action by Monday night. Jensen has been practicing with the team the last two weeks since injuring his knee on the second day of training camp, but the Bucs have been coy as to whether or not he will actually be activated to the active roster. And even if he is, is Jensen ready to start and play a whole game, or just dress as an emergency center? The Bucs’ best bet will be a healthy Hainsey if he can go on Monday night.
ADVANTAGE: Push
