The epic opening game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a masterclass in quarterback play. But in the end, the game came down to their special teams stars – Greg Zuerlein and Ryan Succop.

After botching two field goals and an extra point earlier in the contest, Zuerlein nailed a 48-yard field goal to give Dallas the lead with under two minutes to play.

But with Tom Brady leading the charge and way too much time left on the clock, Cowboys fans knew deep down that the Bucs would get another chance . And deliver he did, leaving Ryan Succop to ice the game with a couple ticks left in the game.

Greg Zuerlein was vocal figure to reporters after the game. The Cowboys kicker took full responsibility for the loss, with the the points he left on the board being the difference in this game.

Via Jon Machota of The Athletic:

“No excuses,” he said “If I’m out there, I should make the kicks. No excuses. … I know we played well enough to win. If I did my job, we win that game. I feel bad for the guys in there that played their ass off, and I didn’t hold up my end of the deal. If the team that that’s good, returning every player after a Super Bowl victory, and we’re right there, I just have to do my job.”

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Despite the end result, the loss was still encouraging for a Cowboys side entering the season with a ton of question marks. Dak Prescott looked magnificent even with star guard Zack Martin out, and so did primary target CeeDee Lamb. They went toe-to-toe with the defending champs when most expected an easy win for Tom Brady's side.

Dak Prescott fully expects his team to be in position for a rematch later on this season. Cowboys fans can only hope his team follows through.