NFL: Buccaneers beat Dallas 31-29 in back and forth season opener

It was certainly a season-opening victory to remember as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers outlasted the Dallas Cowboys 31-29 on Thursday, Sept. 9 at Raymond James Stadium. Tom Brady and Dak Prescott combined to throw an astonishing 108 passes as the teams totaled 882 yards. Tampa Bay took a 21-16 advantage into halftime before the Cowboys came back to take a 29-28 lead of their own with 1:29 left in the game. Brady calmly led an 11-play drive that ended in a 36-yard field goal from Ryan Succop to win jump ahead for good.

Prescott was unbelievable in his return from an ankle injury, throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns as Amari Cooper had a game-high 139 receiving yards. Brady had 379 yards and four touchdowns in the victory. Antonio Brown and Rob Gronkowski combined for 211 yards on 13 receptions. Lavonte David had a team-high 11 tackles for the Buccaneers, while Micah Parsons had seven tackles and a quarterback hit in his debut. Despite four turnovers, Tampa Bay was able to start the regular season 1-0. The Buccaneers will turn their focus to Atlanta, while Dallas will meet the Chargers next Sunday.

Photo Credit: USA Today.