The defending Super Bowl champions begin the season 1-0 after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Dallas Cowboys. It was a back and forth contest that came down to the wire, which was a great way to kick off the NFL season. It wasn't a perfect night for Tampa Bay, as they had multiple turnovers that could have cost them the game.

Even so, the Bucs looked great overall. The rush defense was elite, shutting down the Cowboys rush offense throughout the evening. This team will make another playoff appearance, as the Buccaneers have the talent to go the distance. Although the Cowboys gave them a run for their money, Tampa Bay should feel confident moving forward. After they clean up a few mistakes, the Bucs will remain as an elite football team in the NFL.

Almost everyone got involved on Thursday night, however, there were two players on the offense who essentially vanished completely. Additionally, a veteran wide receiver proved to be at the top of his game, while Tom Brady looked as good as ever. With that said, here are three key takeaways from the Buccaneers' Week 1 win over the Cowboys.

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3. Mike Evans and Ronald Jones disappeared in the Buccaneers offense

There are a lot of mouths to feed in the passing game, so it's kind of expected that one Bucs receiver will be the odd man out on any given week. It seemed like the Cowboys made a point to cover Mike Evans throughout the game, as he never seemed to get open. It's important to note that he received just one less target than Antonio Brown, it's just the evening didn't favor Mike Evans at all. He'll bounce back from this, as he could end up as the top pass option in Week 2.

Ronald Jones fumbled the ball then Bruce Arians put him in the dog house. Leonard Fournette received more opportunities even though he wasn't perfect either. Maybe it's time for Ronald Jones to demand a trade, as Arians refuses to give him opportunities. Maybe he bounces back, but Jones' 2021 outlook is a bit wonky right now.

2. Antonio Brown is back

After going through a roller coaster the last few years, Antonio Brown proved to be as electric as ever on Thursday night. He routinely got open deep downfield and on underneath routes. Brown looked like one of the featured options on the Buccaneers' offense. At 33 years old, it's safe to say Antonio Brown still has it. Maybe he's drinking from the fountain of youth like his buddy Tom Brady? Either way, Brown looks to be in peak condition and could have a huge year for the Bucs.

1. Tom Brady dunks on Father Time

The ageless wonder hit the field for this 300th career game and looked as good as he always has. Brady delivered impressive strikes, especially on the back shoulder throw to Chris Godwin during the game-winning drive. We've seen all-time greats hit a wall in their later years, but Brady continues to show no signs of regression. He ended the night with 379 passing yards and four touchdowns off of 50 attempts. As long as Brady plays like this, the Bucs will be in the race for another Super Bowl title.