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By Sonny Jones

The last time Tom Brady played in the NFL’s kickoff game it didn’t go well. The future hall of famer and, arguably, the greatest quarterback to play the game didn’t throw a touchdown pass as New England lost to Kansas City 42-27 in the 2017 season opener. The Chiefs’ Alex Smith passed for 368 yards and four touchdowns.

Tonight, Brady gets another chance in the NFL opener when defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay hosts Dallas. NBC has the broadcast at 8:20.

After a month of meaningless preseason games — the Buccaneers and Cowboys combined for a 1-6 exhibition record — it’s time for some “real” NFL football following a terrific opening weekend of college football, unless you’re a UNC fan and you’ve had your championship dreams busted after one game.

This will be Brady’s fourth time playing in the NFL opener. In 2015, he threw four touchdown passes, including three to current Tampa Bay teammate Rob Gronkowski, in New England’s 28-21 victory against Pittsburgh. In 2004 for New England, he passed for 335 yards and three touchdowns in outdueling Peyton Manning and Indianapolis 27-24.

For Dallas, the story line will focus on quarterback Dak Prescott, who missed much of last season with a fractured right ankle. He didn’t play in preseason games because of a shoulder strain. How will he perform?

One area to watch tonight is whether a new set of Dallas linebackers can contain Brady. That won’t be easy.

For a few hours, forget the political statements and COVID-19 controversies that have become such a part of sports, including the NFL, and just enjoy the game.

Are you ready for some NFL football? Yes, I am.

20th Year For Kickoff Game

This is the 20th year for the NFL’s kickoff game. It has usually featured the defending Super Bowl champion, although there have been a few exceptions, and has been played on Thursday, except in 2012. Here’s a recap.

2020: Kansas City 34, Houston 20. Rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire runs for 138 yards and a touchdown and Patrick Mahomes tosses three touchdown passes.

2019: Green Bay 10, Chicago 3. A defensive battle that had 17 punts. The teams combined for less than 500 total yards.

2018: Philadelphia 18, Atlanta 12. Jay Ajayi scores with 2:25 remaining and runs a 2-point conversion to decide it.

2017: Kansas City 42, New England 27.

2016: Denver 21, Carolina 20. Graham Gano misses a 50 yard field goal attempt with 9 seconds left as the Panthers fall short against Denver in this Super Bowl rematch.

2015: New England 28, Pittsburgh 21. Brady throws 4 touchdowns, including 3 to Rob Gronkowski.

2014: Seattle 36, Green Bay 16.

2013: Denver 49, Baltimore 27. Peyton Manning throws 7 touchdowns and passes for 462 yards.

2012: Dallas 24, NY Giants 17. The game was played on Wednesday to avoid a conflict with the Democratic National Convention.

2011: Green Bay 42, New Orleans 34. Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees combine to pass for 731 yards and 6 TDs.

2010: New Orleans 14, Minnesota 9.

2009: Pittsburgh 13, Tennessee 10.

2008: NY Giants 16, Washington 7.

2007: Indianapolis 41, New Orleans 10.

2006: Pittsburgh 28, Miami 17.

2005: New Orleans 30, Oakland 20.

2004: New England 27, Indianapolis 24.