In the Cowboys’ season-opening game in front of the raucous crowd at their AT& Capital t Stadium against Tom Brady and the Bucs, Dallas’s 2022 time of year began with a stutter and a scare.
If the struggling offensive efficiency wasn’t enough to consider — Dallas failed to score after opening the game with field goal — a potentially serious injury to Dak Prescott could have long-term repercussions.
Within the fourth quarter, when he attempted to power the offense and produce a comeback, Prescott’s throwing hand — their right — associated with the hands of Bucs outside linebacker Shaq Barrett throughout a pass attempt.
The 29-year-old’s discomfort was evident almost immediately, and he jogged back to the locker room with an fitness trainer.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said after the sport that Prescott may undergo further medical examinations but provides sustained a bone fracture “behind the thumb” and will miss “several games but not to the year. ”
Prescott has been seen wearing a brace during post-game mass media availability. He portrayed his frustration on the injury but recognized it could have been much worse.
“I had been told it was a lot cleaner than it could have been, ” Prescott stated . “It’s very disappointing, but injuries happen. Can’t necessarily control it. Simply unfortunate. I’m certainly going to miss some time and not be presently there for my group and that’s what affects more than anything, especially after the start that individuals just put out right now there. ”
Even with Prescott around the field, the Cowboys struggled to move the ball against the stout Tampa These types of defense.
The criminal offense could only set up 244 total yards with Prescott going 14-of-29 for 134 yards with an interception and getting sacked two times. Back-up quarterback Cooper Rush finished the game and didn’t have got much more success.
Following a serious ankle damage which saw him miss most of the 2020 season, Prescott has been hoping for a healthy 2022, but sounded optimistic afterwards despite the injuries.
“Obviously, just not what you want to hear, but it’s not the worst point that’s happened in my experience, ” Prescott said . “It’s just another bump in the road plus I’ll keep moving forward. I’ll do everything that I can control to get myself back, to obtain myself better, help this team and become the best that I can in this role. ”
Brady grinding it out
It was not the most vintage Brady performance, but it has been enough for the Bucs.
The 45-year-old, seven-time Super Bowl champion threw for 212 yards, as well as a landing and an interception in the defense-heavy game.
It was running back again Leonard Fournette who had been the driving drive on offense for that Bucs, running just for 127 yards upon 21 carries.
“We were trying to consider what they gave us, ” Bucs head coach Todd Bowles stated after the game.
“They gave us several things up front and Lenny (Fournette) did a heck of the job running tough and physical and finding the hole. I thought the offensive line did a great work blocking. It was a total team effort this evening. ”
The Bucs’ strong defense kept the Cowboys offense under control, restricting Dallas to fewer to 6 points in a season opener for the first time given that 1989.
The victory improves Brady’s personal record against the Cowboys to 7-0 and provides the 2020 Extremely Bowl winners the right start to a new time of year.