I am going to preface this entire article with the fact that I am a Dallas Cowboys fan. Always have been, always will be. I am a die hard fan of America's team (We can debate the fact that they are America's team later on, but it is true so just go with it). However we really got unlucky opening our season against reigning Super Bowl champions Tampa Bay. Tom Brady and his team are ready for their chance to go back to back for the first time since Brady did it with the Patriots in 2003 and 2004. Dallas and Dak are ready to prove that last year was a fluke and their talent can get them into the Super Bowl for the first time in 26 years. (Yes, that means they haven't won a title since I was born, dont remind me).
Dak Prescott hasn't played a game since October 11, 2020 when he suffered a severe ankle injury that ended his season as well as any hope the Cowboys had for a winning season. The Cowboys finished 6-10 and had one of the worst defenses Dallas has fielded in a long time. All eyes are on Dak tonight to see just how he can handle the pressure that Tampa Bay's defense will undoubtedly be bringing. It doesn't help that All-Pro right guard Zack Martin will not be on the field due to a positive Covid test. Both Dak and Dallas's run game will be put to the test against one of the NFL's best front 7. Ezekiel Elliott will also have a lot of eyes on him tonight as he attempts to bounce back from his career low 979 yards from last year. He will have his work cut out for him tonight.
Tampa Bay will look to exploit Connor McGovern who is replacing Martin in the o-line. Bucs will be testing Dak's mobility early and often forcing him out of the pocket to see what everyone is wondering, is Dak able to be Dak? Dallas's offense is only one of the big questions still left to answer. The Bucs will be returning all 22 of their starters from their Super Bowl team and Dallas's defense will have to step up if they have any hope of beating or slowing down the seemingly ageless Tom Brady and his many offensive weapons. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Rob Gronkowski, and Antonio Brown are just some of the playmakers that Dallas has to stop if they want to keep this game close or winnable. New defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, will try to clean up the mess of last years defense against a top 10 offense in Brady's Bucs.
This game could really go one of two ways. Brady could be Brady and Dallas could be the Dallas of late and the Cowboys will start their season 0-1 in what could very well be a double digit loss. Or (and wish with me here folks) Dak could come out firing, Dallas sick of being doubted comes out swinging, and shocks the world in a close game that puts the Cowboys at 1-0 with an impressive win in their resume. One of these is more likely than the other but trust me I am more hopeful than most that the second will prevail. Also, don't get me wrong, I do not believe even for one second that if Dallas loses that this season is doomed. Dallas has too many offensive weapons to be down and out and if Dak remains healthy I don't think there is anyway we don't win the NFC East easily. If we lose, I would not be surprised to run into the Bucs again in the post season (It's week 1, let a girl dream). So my heart and soul says Dallas wins, my gut says the Bucs prevail. But as always I will be pacing in front of my tv in a Dallas Cowboy jersey tonight and win or lose next Sunday, I will be doing the same. Let's get this NFL season started!
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