5 bold predictions for Cowboys against Buccaneers

4. Malik Hooker will notch double-digit tackles

The questions surrounding Dallas’ skill position offensive players have distracted Cowboys fans from the pressure facing their secondary in the opener. There will be a lot of pressure on safety Malik Hooker and his fellow defensive backs to keep Brady and his star-studded receiving corps under control.

Hooker only managed to notch 37 solo stops in his first season with the team but he’ll be counted on to up his production in his second campaign. He’s a steady free safety when it comes to stopping opposing offenses from beating the Dallas defense over the top but his real value to coordinator Dan Quinn will be to keep Leonard Fournette from running roughshod in the opener.

The weakness of the team’s linebacking corps is a big reason why Hooker is going to need to make plays in the box on Sunday night. That doesn’t mean he’ll solely be focused on Fournette and the running backs. He’ll also see a lot of snaps matched up against Buccaneers’ tight ends Cameron Brate and Kyle Rudolph in single coverage.

Add it all up and it’s going to equal a very busy night for Hooker. He has a strong chance to lead the team in tackles and he should end up with double-digit stops. That might not be a good thing for a Dallas defense that looks overmatched on paper in this game.