The Buccaneers did not record a sack against Dak Prescott on Thursday night, but that did not mean their defense was quiet. Tampa Bay still found ways to disrupt Prescott and make several of the biggest defensive plays of the night in a 24-16 win over Dallas.
Prescott finished 24-of-42 for 316 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Tampa Bay also broke up 10 passes, with Jacob Parrish accounting for four, and consistently forced Prescott to work from an uncomfortable pocket. David Walker was especially noticeable despite finishing with only one official quarterback hit, creating pressure on multiple passing downs and forcing Prescott to get rid of the ball before he wanted to.
The Bucs also made Dallas almost completely one-dimensional. The Cowboys
finished with just 50 rushing yards on 13 attempts, which allowed Todd Bowles’ defense to focus more heavily on Prescott as the game moved along. Dallas still created some explosive plays through the air, but Tampa Bay repeatedly answered before the Cowboys could take control.
Yaya Diaby came away with the first interception after a pass was tipped multiple times in traffic, while Alex Anzalone ended Dallas’ final serious possession by securing another tipped ball with 1:16 remaining. Rookie Keionte Scott also made one of the biggest plays of the fourth quarter when he broke up Dallas’ two-point conversion attempt after George Pickens’ touchdown.
The lack of sacks stands out on the stat sheet, but it does not tell the full story of Tampa Bay’s impressive defensive performance. The Buccaneers held Dallas to 16 points, forced three turnovers, and made enough plays around Prescott to keep the Cowboys from completing a late comeback.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers defense disrupts Dak Prescott despite zero sacks
