5 players the Cowboys need to play well to beat Buccaneers

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 21: Quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the sidelines as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Houston Texans in the first quarter of a preseason NFL game at AT&T Stadium on August 21, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

1. Dak Prescott

The chances of Thursday night’s game devolving into a low-scoring affair are pretty remote. That means the Cowboys need to light up the scoreboard if they want to hang with the high-flying Buccaneers.

Elliott can do his part by grinding out yards on the ground, but the Cowboys’ passing game will need to operate at a high level to keep this game close. That means Prescott needs to be a very effective trigger man.

The challenge for Prescott may be more mental than physical. There will be a natural temptation for him to try to do too much in his high-profile return from injury. Trying to take the game into his own hands could lead to disaster for the Cowboys.

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Instead, McCarthy and his coaching staff need to make sure their star quarterback plays within the confines of their offensive game plan. Historically, that’s when Prescott has enjoyed the most success. Trying to do too much could be disastrous for Dallas’ hopes of starting the season 1-0.

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