Week 5 begins under the lights at AT&T Stadium, where the Dallas Cowboys have a chance to turn one dramatic win into their first winning streak of the season.
Cowboys Buccaneers Preview: Why Dallas Has a Real Edge
Dallas enters Thursday Night Football at 2-2 after rallying past Houston 34-30. Tampa Bay arrives at 0-4, without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield and several important defensive pieces, including Antoine Winfield Jr. and Benjamin Morrison.
On paper, the Cowboys-Buccaneers preview points heavily toward Dallas. But the Cowboys have already shown why nothing involving this defense should feel comfortable.
Tyler Smith Returns at the Perfect Time
Dallas received one of its biggest injury boosts of the season Thursday morning.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Cowboys are activating All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith from injured reserve, clearing the way for his season debut against Tampa Bay. Smith missed the first four games after undergoing surgery on his thumb before Week 1.
His return matters beyond Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe, strengthening a left side that already received an encouraging performance from Guyton against Houston. He should also provide a significant boost in the running game against Tampa’s defensive front, built around Vita Vea.
Javonte Williams scored three times last week despite averaging only 3.3 yards per carry.
Smith could help Dallas turn those short-yardage results into more consistent production between the 20s.
Oct 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) reacts to running back Javonte Williams (33 )’s touchdown against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Tampa’s Pass Rush Gives Prescott an Opportunity
Houston presented Dallas with one of the difficult pass-rushing matchups it will see this season.
Thursday should look different. Tampa Bay has blitzed at one of the highest rates in the NFL but has struggled to turn those extra rushers into consistent pressure. The Buccaneers entered Week 5 last in pressure rate despite blitzing at the fourth-highest rate.
That is a dangerous combination against Prescott.
Prescott threw for 335 yards against Houston despite facing frequent pressure, and CeeDee Lamb is coming off a 17-catch, 189-yard performance. George Pickens adds another downfield threat, while Jake Ferguson and Williams give Prescott answers underneath.
Tampa’s secondary will also be without Winfield and Morrison, both officially ruled out.
If the Buccaneers continue sending extra rushers without getting home, Dallas should have opportunities for explosive plays.
Oct 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) drops back to pass against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Jalon Daniels Gives Dallas a Different Test
Tampa Bay will again start undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels in place of Mayfield.
Daniels threw for 148 yards and a touchdown in his first NFL start against Green Bay while adding 55 yards with his legs. He also threw two interceptions as Tampa lost 17-14.
The passing numbers should favor Dallas.
The mobility is where things get more interesting.
The Cowboys have struggled defensively through four games, allowing the third-most yards and fourth-most points in the NFL while producing only four sacks and no interceptions.
Daniels does not need to outthrow Prescott to make this uncomfortable. Extending drives with his legs, escaping pressure, and creating second-reaction plays could attack some of the communication issues Dallas has shown defensively.
That also makes Joey Porter Jr.’s increased role worth watching.
Porter played only 24 defensive snaps in his Cowboys debut against Houston. After another full week in Christian Parker’s system, Dallas should be able to expand his workload.
Sep 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. watches the action during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Dallas Shouldn’t Treat Tampa Like A 0-4 Team
This is the biggest challenge for Dallas.
The Cowboys just played another winless opponent in Houston and needed a touchdown with 43 seconds remaining to survive.
Tampa has lost all four games, but Daniels’ first start ended in a three-point loss to Green Bay. Todd Bowles also has a defense capable of creating problems even while several important players are unavailable.
The short turnaround adds another variable.
Dallas is playing its third game in 11 days after traveling to Brazil in Week 3 and Houston in Week 4. The Cowboys have had almost no time to recover before playing Thursday night again.
The matchup favors Dallas. The circumstances still demand focus.
Cowboys ‘ Defense Needs A Cleaner Night
Dallas cannot afford another performance like the one it had through the air in Week 4
C.J. Stroud threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns, while the Cowboys allowed several explosive completions despite finally generating more pressure. Against Jalon Daniels, the priority should be different: keep him inside the pocket, avoid losing contain, and force the rookie to sustain long drives instead of creating plays with his legs.
If Dallas can pair better coverage with the improved pressure it showed in Week 4, this is a matchup where the defense should finally be able to dictate more of the game.
The Last Word
Thursday night is a real opportunity for Dallas to prove that the defensive improvement against Houston was not a one-week exception.
The Cowboys finally generated more pressure in Week 4, but the secondary still gave up too many explosive plays. Against an inexperienced quarterback in Jalon Daniels, Christian Parker’s defense should be able to play more aggressively, especially if Joey Porter Jr. takes on a larger role.
A convincing performance would not erase the problems from the first month of the season, but it could be the first sign that this defense is beginning to settle in.
If Dallas cannot control this matchup at home, however, the concerns around the unit will only grow.
Can the Cowboys’ defense finally put together a complete game?
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