5 players the Cowboys need to play well to beat Buccaneers

3 of 5

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 27: Randy Gregory #94 of the Dallas Cowboys runs on the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

3. Randy Gregory

Demarcus Lawrence has been a fixture at his defensive end position for the Cowboys for the better part of the last decade. The spot opposite him on the defensive line has largely been a revolving door of inconsistent players.

Gregory has been a part of that rotation and he is being given yet another opportunity to establish himself as a top-tier starter in 2021. The Cowboys desperately need him to put some pressure on Brady if they’re going to pull off the upset.

The veteran edge rusher’s challenge is complicated by the quality of Tampa Bay’s starting tackles. Donovan Smith is a star at his left tackle spot and Tristan Wirfs was one of the NFL’s best right tackles during his rookie campaign. Gregory will need to be at his best to beat any member of the Buccaneers’ starting line.

Gregory doesn’t need to dominate the game for the Dallas defense, but he needs to make his impact felt on obvious passing downs. Getting a sack and a couple of pressures would really give his team a big boost.

Home/Dallas Cowboys