Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, left, celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski after Gronkowski caught a 2-yard touchdown pass during the first half of their 31-29 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night in Tampa, Fla. Brady threw four touchdown passes and led a drive to set up the game-winning field goal with two seconds left. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
By FRED GOODALL AP Sports Writer
TAMPA, Fla. — Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t flinch.
Down one point with 1:24 left in the kickoff to the NFL season, the defending Super Bowl champions were confident their 44-year-old quarterback would find a way to win again Thursday night.
It’s simply what Brady, who threw for 379 yards and four touchdowns in a 31-29 win over the Dallas Cowboys, does.
“There was no doubt that we’re going to win the game with him,” Coach Bruce Arians said. “It’s just who’s going to make plays.”
With seats in a NFL stadium filled to full capacity for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Ryan Succop won it with a 36-yard field goal with two seconds remaining. Brady set it up with a last-minute drive directed on the same field where the Bucs became the first team to play and win a Super Bowl in its home stadium seven months ago.
It was the 49th game-winning drive the three-time NFL MVP has led in the fourth quarter or overtime during the regular season. That’s third on the all-time list behind Peyton Manning (54) and Drew Brees (53), who are both retired.
“There’s obviously a lot to clean up,” Brady said after completing 32 of 50 passes with two interceptions.
The Bucs, hoping to become the first team to repeat as champions since Brady led the 2003 and 2004 New England Patriots to consecutive titles, turned the ball over four times.
“We won,” the quarterback said, “but we know it was far from perfect.”
For Brady, a seven-time champion, it was the 300th regular-season start in a sparkling 22-year career – a record for a quarterback. The 44-year-old also joined Drew Brees as the only players to throw for 300-plus yards in a game 100 times.
Chris Godwin, Rob Gronkowski and Antonio Brown caught first-half touchdown passes, and the Bucs (1-0) extended their winning streak to nine games dating to last December. Brady’s second TD pass of the night to Gronkowski put the defending champs up, 28-19. Succop’s field goal came after Greg Zuerlein put the Cowboys ahead with a 48-yarder with 1:24 to go.
“As I told our guys, I learned a long time ago we don’t learn anything more from losing than you do from almost losing. We’ve got a lot to learn,” Bucs coach Bruce Arians said. “Obviously not pleased with the start of the game, Loved the finish. Our guys are winners, They’re going to finish.”
Dak Prescott threw for 403 yards and three TDs for Dallas in his first game since suffering a severe injury ankle that ended his 2020 season after just five games. The sixth-year pro didn’t play in the preseason after straining his right shoulder early in training camp, and limitations on his throwing weren’t lifted until about two weeks before the opener.
“I thought Dak played well,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said. “I really like the way our team played, the preparation coming into it. … We had tough looks, particularly some of the things they did defensively. I thought our guys did a good job adjusting, did a good job distributing the ball on the perimeter.”
The Cowboys have never beaten Brady, who improved to 6-0 against them, with five of the victories coming during his historic 20-year run with the New England Patriots.
But Prescott, with help from a revamped Dallas defense that forced a fumble and intercepted a pass that glanced off Leonard Fournette’s hands to set up a touchdown and field goal, pushed the defending champs to the limit before a mostly mask-less crowd of 65,566.
Ultimately, though, Brady made the Cowboys pay for kicking woes that contributed to Dallas only scoring 16 points in the opening half. In addition to missing a 31-yard field-goal attempt, Zuerlein had an extra point clank off the left upright in the second quarter.
Seven of the Cowboys’ first eight possessions either started or ended in Tampa Bay territory, yet Prescott still faced a nine-point deficit before Dallas pulled within 28-26 on Amari Cooper’s 21-yard scoring reception with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter.
Cooper finished with 13 catches for 139 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. CeeDee Lamb had a 22-yard scoring reception for the Cowboys, who finished 6-10 with Prescott missing the final 11 games of last season.
Brady was intercepted twice, once on a desperation pass into the end zone at the end of the first half. Ronald Jones and Chris Godwin also lost fumbles, with the latter’s mistake preventing the Bucs from putting the game away in the closing minutes.
Brown had five receptions for 121 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown before halftime. Godwin had nine catches for 105 yards but fumbled at the Cowboys’ 1 to stop a potential clinching drive before Prescott drove Dallas to Zuerlein’s go-ahead field goal.
DAK IS BACK
Playing his first game since suffering a gruesome ankle injury 11 months ago and then signing a $160 million contract, Prescott was outstanding against a defense that shut down Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl and returned every starter.
Prescott completed 42 of 58 passes with the three touchdowns and one interception and was already looking forward to a possible postseason rematch.
“We’ll see y’all again,” Prescott said to Brady after they shook hands following the game.
Prescott didn’t play in the preseason after dealing with a shoulder problem in training camp, but showed no ill effects of his injuries right from the start.
Backed up on his 2-yard line for his first play in 333 days, Prescott dropped back and lofted a beautiful 28-yard pass to a wide-open Cooper. He picked apart Tampa’s secondary after cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting left early with an elbow injury.
Prescott tossed a perfect 22-yard TD pass to Lamb in the first quarter. He connected twice with Cooper for scores of 5 yards and 21 yards.
Prescott moved around the pocket, escaped some hits, scrambled four times and only was sacked once.
If the Cowboys can figure out their defense under new coordinator Dan Quinn and Prescott stays healthy, they’ll be the team to beat in a weak NFC East.
Prescott was on pace to set a record for yards passing last year before he got hurt in Week 5. He threw for 1,859 yards and nine TDs in less than five full games. He picked up where he left off against one of the league’s best defenses.
The Cowboys were only 2-3 with him last year because their defense was on the way to allowing a franchise-record 473 points. If it weren’t for the four turnovers, Dallas might have allowed 40 points to Tampa Bay.
“I’ve known Dak a long time and have so much respect for him as a person and an athlete,” Bucs coach Bruce Arians said. “What he did at Mississippi State is legendary. A tremendous leader. It’s a shame he had to take a break.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicks Ryan Succop, left, celebrates with Pat O’Connor (79) and Rakeem Nunez-Roches (56)
after making a field goal with two seconds left to beat the Dallas Cowboys, 31-29, on Thursday night in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady fires a pass during the first half of Thursday’s NFL season opener against the Dallas Cowboys in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
The Dallas Cowboys and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers line up during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs for yardage against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) stops Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (7) on a run during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) beats Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (23) and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) on a 22-yard touchdown reception during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrates with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) after a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) pulls in a touchdown reception iafter getting around Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (30) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) after Brown caught a touchdown pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians & Tom Brady talk during pregame warm ups before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, Sept 9, 2021 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Don Montague)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) celebrates his touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) celebrates his touchown down against the Dallas Cowboys with wide receiver Tyler Johnson (18) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Rob Gronkowski #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) beats Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) to the endzone to score on an 11-yard touchdown reception during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) scores against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, left, celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski after Gronkowski caught a 2-yard touchdown pass during the first half of their 31-29 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night in Tampa, Fla. Brady threw four touchdown passes and led a drive to set up the game-winning field goal with two seconds left. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) outruns Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White (45) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis runs with the football after intercepting a pass by Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) pressures Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis III (24) breaks up a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) loses a shoe after a reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) beats Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Ross Cockrell (43) on an 21=yard touchdown reception during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) gets tripped up by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White (45) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) fumbles the football after a hit from Dallas Cowboys safety Damontae Kazee during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) picks up a fumble by Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) loses his helmet after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (7) is taken down by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) can’t hang onto a pass from quarterback Tom Brady during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) calls a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is pressured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (56) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Fans during the second half of an NFL football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) stiff arms Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) stiff arms Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates after throwing a pass for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
A fan poses during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Antonio Brown #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers receives a pass while eluding Keanu Neal #42 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Cameron Brate #84 high fives Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a touchdown by Godwin against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders perform during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a touchdown pass against Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
A Dallas Cowboys fans during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tom Brady #12 and Rob Gronkowski #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a touchdown during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Antonio Brown #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches a pass for a touchdown against Anthony Brown #30 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Antonio Brown #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates his touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Antonio Brown #81 and Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate their touchdown during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys prepares for a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Randy Gregory #94 and Trevon Diggs #7 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a turnover against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Antonio Brown #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches a pass for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys scores a touchdown during the first quarter against Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepares for a play during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys passes while pressured by Andrew Adams #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Ryan Succop #3 kicks a field goal from Bradley Pinion #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Ryan Succop #3 kicks a field goal from Bradley Pinion #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Ryan Succop, left, celebrates with Pat O’Connor (79) and Rakeem Nunez-Roches (56)
after making a field goal with two seconds left to beat the Dallas Cowboys, 31-29, on Thursday night in Tampa, Fla. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waves to fans after defeating the Dallas Cowboys 31-29 at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
K.J. Britt #52 and Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers react after beating the Dallas Cowboys 31-29 at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Fans cheer before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leads his team onto the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Fans cheer before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers uncover their 2020 Super Bowl banner before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers huddle during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Due to attendance restrictions imposed because of the pandemic, the largest crowd for any NFL game last season was 24,845 for the Super Bowl played at Raymond James Stadium in February.
Fans arrived early Thursday night for a brief pregame ceremony celebrating Tampa Bay’s second championship – the first in nearly two decades. They roared when co-owner Bryan Glazer stepped to the microphone and reminded them that the Bucs are the only franchise that’s claimed a crown on its home turf.
“There was one thing missing,” Glazer said. “All of you.”
Earlier, the teams stood on their respective goal lines for the playing of Alicia Keys’ version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the national Black anthem.
INJURIES
Cowboys: Played without right guard Zack Martin, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week.
Buccaneers: Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting left with an elbow injury suffered trying to stop Lamb from scoring in the first quarter. The secondary was already playing without starting safety Jordan Whitehead (hamstring).
UP NEXT
Cowboys: at Chargers on Sept. 19.
Buccaneers: Remain home against NFC South rival Atlanta on Sept. 19
