Defending Super Bowl champs Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened the 2021 NFL season in the same manner they finished the last one: by winning. The Bucs hosted the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night and managed to snatch a 31-29 come from behind win thanks to an impressive performance from their quarterback Tom Brady.
The game went back and forth until late in the fourth period when the Cowboys scored a 48-yard field goal to take a 29-28 lead. Brady and the Bucs took over with 1:24 left on the game clock, but even this proved to be enough time for the three-time NFL MVP.
Brady marched down the field with several impressive throws and secured a manageable field goal position for his Ryan Succop. The Bucs kicker delivered under pressure, kicking a 36-yarder with two seconds left in the regulation and leaving the Cowboys no time to respond.
Brady finished the game by completing 32 passes out of 50 attempted, throwing for 379 yards and four touchdowns. Two of the TDs went to his favorite target tight end Rob Gronkowski while wideouts Antonio Brown and Chris Godwin snatched one apiece.
“There was no doubt that we’re going to win the game with him,” said Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians after the game. “It’s just who’s going to make plays.”
On the other end, Dallas Cowboys signal-caller Dak Prescott also delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 403 yards and three TDs. Amari Cooper had 13 receptions and two scores, while CeeDee Lamb added seven catches for 104 yards and a touchdown.
