Predicted Stat Line: Buccaneers QB Jalon Daniels vs Dallas

Buccaneers’ Quarterback Jalon Daniels will make his second career start when Tampa Bay travels to Dallas for Thursday Night Football.

The Buccaneers remain without Baker Mayfield, leaving Daniels atop the depth chart. Todd Bowles confirmed Daniels will start against the Cowboys.

Daniels made his first start against Green Bay last Sunday. He completed 19 of 27 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown.

The rookie also rushed eight times for 55 yards. However, he threw two interceptions during Tampa Bay’s 17-14 loss.

Predicted Stat Line for Jalon Daniels vs Dallas

– Passing Attempts: 31-36
– Completions: 20-24
– Passing Yards: 210-250
– Passing Touchdowns: 1-2
– Interceptions: 1-2
– Rushing Attempts: 7-10
– Rushing Yards: 40-65
– Rushing Touchdowns: 0-1

Key Factors Influencing

Daniels should enter Thursday with considerably more confidence after experiencing his first NFL start.

His performance against Green Bay included several encouraging moments. Bowles praised Daniels’ poise, mobility and ability to escape pressure after the game.

However, the interceptions remain the biggest concern. Daniels threw two interceptions against Green Bay despite completing 70.4% of his passes.

Dallas presents another difficult challenge. The Cowboys enter Week Five with a 2-2 record and a high-powered offense.

That could force Tampa Bay into a more aggressive offensive approach. Daniels may need to throw more frequently if Dallas creates an early advantage.

His rushing ability could become equally important. Daniels averaged nearly seven yards per carry against Green Bay while providing Tampa Bay another dimension.

The short turnaround creates another challenge. Daniels must prepare for his second start with only a few days between games.

Final Stat Predictions

– Passing Attempts: 34
– Completions: 22
– Passing Yards: 232
– Passing Touchdowns: 1
– Interceptions: 1
– Rushing Attempts: 9
– Rushing Yards: 56
– Rushing Touchdowns: 1

Daniels should improve from his first start simply because he now has actual NFL experience.

The Cowboys will test him differently, especially with Dallas playing at home in prime time. Still, Daniels’ mobility gives Tampa Bay an element the offense lacked previously.

I expect Daniels to make some impressive plays while also making at least one costly mistake.

Prediction: 22-of-34 passing for 232 yards, one touchdown and one interception, with 56 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.