Bucs to host Cowboys in 2021 season opener

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will begin their Super Bowl title defense by hosting the Dallas Cowboys in the first game of the 2021 NFL season Sept. 9.

The Thursday night matchup will kick off Tom Brady's quest for an eighth Lombardi Trophy. It's also expected to mark the return of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott from his major ankle injury.

Dallas struggled last year after Prescott went down, finishing 6-10. However, the Cowboys are expected to field a high-powered offense and will be a top contender for the NFC East crown.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay will return a championship roster largely intact. The Buccaneers are set to field all 22 starters from their Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dallas and Tampa Bay last met in 2018, with the Cowboys earning a 27-20 home victory.

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