Cowboys must use Caleb Downs’ Ohio State connection to slow down Emeka Egbuka

The Dallas Cowboys should rely on Caleb Downs to lock up his former college teammate in Week 5.

By Jason Kandel · The Landry Hat

Published: Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at 3:15 PM

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The Landry Hat argues Dallas should use Caleb Downs to defend former Ohio State teammate Emeka Egbuka.
The writer suggests deploying Downs against Egbuka in the slot while Joey Porter Jr. covers the outside.
Dallas ranks last in the NFL in defensive EPA per pass heading into Week 5.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Landry Hat argues that the Dallas Cowboys must utilize rookie defensive back Caleb Downs' familiarity with Emeka Egbuka to slow down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver on Thursday Night Football. The writer suggests Downs should match up against his former Ohio State teammate in the slot, capitalizing on their experience practicing together during their 2024 college national championship season.

Dallas enters the Week 5 matchup ranking last in the NFL in defensive EPA per pass under Christian Parker. With Buccaneers starting quarterback Baker Mayfield sidelined by a thumb injury, Tampa Bay is set to start undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels.

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Cowboys must use Caleb Downs’ Ohio State connection to slow down Emeka Egbuka

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