The first game of the brand new NFL season was an absolute scorcher.
Defending Super Bowl Champions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers edged out the Dallas Cowboys 31-29 on Thursday in an engrossing shoot-out at the Raymond James Stadium, site of Tampa's title-clinching victory back in February.
All-time great Tom Brady was again at the heart of things for the Floridian franchise, throwing for 379 yards and four touchdowns at the ripe old age of 44. His long-time partner-in-crime Rob Gronkowski brought in two of those TDs, the second of which was his and Brady's 100th as a duo.
Nonetheless despite Tampa's effectiveness on offense, a resurgent Dallas side — led by QB Dak Prescott who made his NFL return after almost a year out with a serious ankle injury — threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns.
The Cowboys defence forced four turnovers, as well, in what was a see-saw battle, and Greg Zuerlein hit a 48-yard field goal to give them the lead with 89 seconds left on the clock
However, a minute and a half is still an eternity when you are up against seven-time Super Bowl winner Brady, who skippered the Bucs down the other end in time for Ryan Succop's kick to snatch victory in the closing seconds of the encounter.
The rest of the league will now attempt to follow that curtain-raiser in their own respective first games of the 2021 campaign on Sunday and Monday. You can view a full Week 1 schedule and details on how to watch on DAZN here.