The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a critical matchup against the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday without their key tight end, Cade Otton. Sidelined by a knee injury sustained during last week’s decisive win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Otton will not be joining his team in Arlington, Texas.
Otton’s absence is a significant blow for the Buccaneers as his 600 receiving yards place him seventh among tight ends in the league. His prominence in the passing game is further highlighted by his ranking as the team’s second-leading receiver, only trailing behind Pro Bowler Mike Evans.
Throughout the season, Otton has been an integral part of the Buccaneers’ offense, especially during times when Mike Evans was sidelined due to a hamstring injury and with Chris Godwin out for the season. His 86 targets make him the most sought-after player on the team, while his versatility is evident with more routes run from the slot than any of his teammates.
In addition to his receiving prowess, Otton has excelled in run-blocking. With a win rate of 74.9%, he ranks fourth on the team, and his exceptional blocking has been crucial in converting 95.4% of his efforts into first downs, the highest percentage within the squad.
The stakes are high for the Buccaneers who are currently on a four-game winning streak and possess an 8-6 record. Holding a slim one-game lead over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South, retaining this lead is vital as the Falcons possess the head-to-head advantage.
A victory at AT&T Stadium would equal the Buccaneers’ second-longest single-season winning streak and heighten their prospects of clinching the NFC South title with a 93% probability according to ESPN Analytics. Yet, their performance in prime-time scenarios remains a concern as they have yet to secure a win in such settings this season.
As the Buccaneers prepare to face the Cowboys, Cade Otton’s absence will undoubtedly challenge their dynamics on the field. His contributions in both receiving and blocking have been pivotal to their recent success. The team will need to adapt quickly to maintain their winning momentum and strengthen their position in the NFC South.
Source: Espn
