NFL Week 1 Game Recap: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19, Dallas Cowboys 3

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won a Week 1 field goal fest over the Dallas Cowboys, 19-3, on Sunday night at AT&T Stadium.

Buccaneers kicker Ryan Succop was the star of the day with four field goals, but quarterback Tom Brady and running back Leonard Fournette carried the offense for much of the night.

Offensive spotlight: Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott labored, completing just 14-of-29 passing attempts for 134 yards with an interception before leaving the game in the fourth quarter to get X-rays after hitting his throwing hand on Buccaneers defenders on multiple throws. He reportedly needs surgery and will be out several weeks.

Dallas voluntarily lost key pieces at wide receiver and on their offensive line this offseason, and it appeared to affect Prescott in Week 1 — he made zero big-time throws and three turnover-worthy plays. Now we’ll await updates on his health prior to next week’s game against the Super Bowl runner-up Cincinnati Bengals.

Defensive spotlight: Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons registered five total pressures, including two sacks, on 22 pass-rush snaps as one of Dallas’ lone bright spots in an otherwise frustrating performance. Parsons primarily was used as a pass-rusher, though he also wasn’t targeted on six coverage snaps.

Rookie spotlight: Cowboys 2022 first-round pick Tyler Smith started at left tackle, filling in for injured All-Pro Tyron Smith. He labored at times in pass protection, allowing a sack, two quarterback hits and a hurry based on PFF’s first review of the game. Dallas has nine-time Pro Bowl selection Jason Peters on its practice squad. Once Peters is fully up to speed and conditioned, the Cowboys will have a decision to make whether to stick with the rookie or move Tyler Smith to guard and roll with Peters until Tyron Smith can return.

Offensive line spotlight: Both teams lost key pieces on their offensive line Sunday night. Cowboys left guard Connor McGovern didn’t return due to an ankle injury, and Buccaneers left tackle Donovan Smith was ruled out at halftime with an elbow injury. Smith and his replacement, Josh Wells, both let up sacks to Parsons. Rookie left guard Luke Goedeke also allowed multiple pressures on the night in his first career start.

Betting Summary

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