Predicted Stat Line: Buccaneers DL Calijah Kancey vs Dallas

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey enters Thursday Night Football looking for his first sack of the 2026 season.

Through three credited games, Kancey has recorded three tackles and two quarterback hits.

Kancey recorded two tackles against Minnesota, his highest total this season. He was held without a tackle against Green Bay.

Predicted Stat Line for Calijah Kancey vs Dallas

– Total Tackles: 3-5
– Solo Tackles: 2-4
– Tackles For Loss: 1-2
– Sacks: 0.5-1.5
– Quarterback Hits: 2-3
– Pass Deflections: 0-1
– Forced Fumbles: 0-1

Key Factors Influencing

Kancey has an opportunity to change his early-season narrative against Dallas.

Tampa Bay’s pass rush has struggled to consistently create pressure. The Buccaneers rank 25th in sacks per pass attempt this season.

Bowles has specifically challenged Kancey following Tampa Bay’s performance against Green Bay. That makes Thursday an important opportunity for the third-year defensive lineman.

Dallas presents a favorable matchup for Tampa Bay’s pass rush. The Cowboys rank 29th in sacks per pass attempt allowed defensively.

Kancey has already demonstrated disruptive ability during his NFL career. He enters this matchup with 11.5 career sacks.

The Cowboys also possess a high-volume passing attack. Dak Prescott has thrown for 1,065 yards through four games.

More Dallas passing attempts could provide Kancey with additional opportunities. He will need to capitalize when those chances arrive.

Final Stat Predictions

– Total Tackles: 4
– Solo Tackles: 3
– Tackles For Loss: 1
– Sacks: 1
– Quarterback Hits: 2
– Pass Deflections: 0
– Forced Fumbles: 0

Kancey has been too quiet through the opening portion of Tampa Bay’s season.

Thursday provides an opportunity to answer his coach’s challenge against a vulnerable Cowboys pass protection unit.

I expect Kancey to generate his first sack while becoming more disruptive inside.

Prediction: 4 tackles, 3 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack and 2 quarterback hits.