Getty Images
Buccaneers looked like buccaneers. The Cowboys seem headed for another season without a trip to the Super Bowl, especially if Dak Prescott seriously injures his hand.
Tom Brady and Tampa Bay took care of business with a 19-3 opening day win at AT&T Stadium. Brady went 18-of-27 for 212 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Had it not been for Micah Parson’s two-thirds-down sacks in the red zone and some Bucs mistakes, it would have been a loss instead of a touchdown. Tampa Bay reached Dallas 25, 20, 8, 4 and 29 on five first-half drives. Ryan Succop missed a field goal as they scored four goals at home.
The Bucs led 12-3 at halftime on Succop’s field goals of 44, 38, 29 and 47.
Two of Parsons’ sacks came on third-down plays in the red zone, one of which left tackle Donovan Smith suffered an elbow injury.
Prescott and the Cowboys couldn’t muster enough offense to keep up with the Bucs, gaining just 243 yards.
But Prescott scored with 6:02 left and the Cowboys stayed in the game on a 19-3 run. His throwing hand connected with the hand of Bucs edge rusher Shaquille Barrett.
Prescott left the game after being examined by the team’s head physician, Dr. Dan Cooper.
Prescott Cooper finished 14-of-29 for 134 yards and an interception before replacing Rush. CeeDee Lamb caught just two passes for 29 yards on 11 targets; Ezekiel Elliott ran for 52 yards on 10 carries; And right tackle Terrence Steele had four penalties.
