NFL Notebook: Bucs top Cowboys in thrilling TNF debut

Rob Gronkowski (87) of the Buccaneers scores a touchdown and then spikes the ball in the end zone. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire)

The NFL season is now underway! The 2021 campaign kicked off Thursday in Tampa Bay, and the lid-lifter tops this week’s roundup of National Football League news and notes.

Bucs Top Cowboys, 31-29

The season started like the last one ended. The reigning Super Bowl champions emerged victorious, but it wasn’t easy. Tom Brady needed to lead a game-winning drive in the final minutes, and as he’s done dozens of times before, that’s precisely what he did.

RYAN SUCCOP 36-YARD FG FOR THE WIN!!

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/7bqQi3f2P9
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 10, 2021

Ryan Succop booted a 36-yard field goal in the final minutes to deny Dak Prescott (who was brilliant Thursday night) a victory in his return to the gridiron after a brutal injury ended his 2020 season. Just how good was Prescott? Well…

Dak Puts Best Foot Forward

Nobody was quite sure what to expect when Dak Prescott took the field for the 2021 opener. The Cowboys were without right guard Zack Martin, and Prescott was dealing with a muscle injury on his right side during the preseason. However, he finished the evening with 403 passing yards and three touchdowns and gave Dallas every chance to win.

RT if you always believed in Dak Prescott

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/j6cdCYS77R
— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) September 10, 2021

If this is the Prescott we’ll see all season, he may be a cinch for the Comeback Player of the Year Award in a few months.

Injury Bug Hits Baltimore, Hard

The Ravens ended practice early Thursday, and for good reason. On consecutive plays, running back Gus Edwards and defensive back Marcus Peters were lost for the season due to torn ACL’s.

Breaking: The Ravens fear RB Gus Edwards has suffered a season-ending torn ACL during today’s practice, sources tell @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/3juGqaM62g
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 9, 2021

It was another brutal twist for Baltimore, which has lost multiple running backs and several recognized playmakers before the 2021 season has even started.

Steelers, Watt Agree to Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers broke many longstanding traditions Thursday, when they made T.J. Watt the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. They haven’t usually given players massive amounts of guaranteed money, but Watt is now set to make at least $80 million over the next four years and could bank as much as $112 million.

If it’s ok with Yinz, I’d like to stay a while!! LETS GO PITTSBURGH!!!! pic.twitter.com/itjnF7XNLd
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) September 9, 2021

With this situation handled, Watt and the Steelers can now focus on Sunday’s season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

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