Pressure is always at the forefront when it comes to the NFL Playoffs. The Dallas Cowboys have a better record and have been the better team all year, but a few players will be under massive pressure against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 12-5 Cowboys will look to end Tom Brady's perfect 7-0 record against them on Monday night.
We can talk all we want about Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore, but here are my top three players under the most pressure when Wild Card weekend kicks off.
Dak Prescott
We all understand his turnovers have been a problem this season, but since he has returned from his thumb injury, the offense has averaged over 30 points a game. They are first in third-down percentage and third in scoring touchdowns in the red zone.
We even saw against Philly that he could overcome a turnover and put together an excellent performance with over 300 yards through the air.
It is hard to judge the Bucs' defense right now, but they are under .500 for a reason.
Again we must recognize his turnovers because it might cost the Cowboys if he can't protect the football Monday. If Prescott plays 70% to form, Dallas will win this game.
Prescott is under the most pressure because of his position and the star he wears on his helmet, and he needs to beat the G.O.A.T. in this game.
Micah Parsons
Micah Parson has pressure in this game because he loves using Twitter. He claps back and forth with just about everyone. Honestly, I LOVE it, but he needs to show up Monday against a terrible Tampa offensive line.
He creates havoc without generating sacks, pressures the QB better than anyone in football, and opens free rushing lanes for others on the defensive line.
The Cowboys will need Micah Parsons to make a play or two.
He has pressure because of how good he is. Great players show up in big games, and Parsons should be able to take advantage of a beat-up Bucs OL.
Look for Parsons to finish the game with a couple of sacks and a game-changing play.
WR2
That's right. Wide receiver 2.
- Who is it going to be?
- Who is going to step up and help CeeDee Lamb and Prescott?
- Will it be the guy we paid this offseason, Michael Gallup?
- Will Noah Brown show up, or will it be the vet T.Y. Hilton?
The wide receiver group as a whole is under a lot of pressure.
I want to see someone besides Lamb step up. I want someone else to create some separation and make a big play like Hilton did against the Eagles. Someone will have to make a big catch in this game, and I don't know who it will be.
I have a feeling Gallup is going to have a big day. He hasn't looked right the last few weeks, but it has that feeling.
Prescott is under the most pressure at the end of the day, followed by Parsons due to his Twitter words, followed by the guys under Lamb. Due to his recent play, Prescott and the others need to show up consistently.
The last two times the Cowboys have lost, they responded with 40 points on the scoreboard. Look for it to happen again.
Go, ‘Boys.
