Lofty expectations don’t faze Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory is ready to break from his suspension-filled past.

The Dallas Cowboys have used their first six NFL draft picks on defensive players for the first time in franchise history.

(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms Monday with former Atlanta coach Dan Quinn as defensive coordinator, turning over a unit that was among the worst in franchise history to someone who built his reputation on defense in Seattle. The Cowboys switched to the 4-3 in 2013 when Rod Marinelli joined the staff and eventually became defensive coordinator. Quinn was hired in Atlanta in 2015 after two seasons as Seattle’s defensive coordinator. He was Florida’s defensive coordinator for two seasons before joining the Seahawks. Quinn was the defensive line coach in Seattle for two years before going to Florida.

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Nolan stands on the field before an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. ARLINGTON – After a rough first season in Dallas, Mike Nolan is officially out. The Cowboys officially announced on Friday afternoon that Nolan and defensive line coach Jim Tomsula would not return to the team for the 2021 season. The Cowboys ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in nearly every statistical defensive metric. Although play improved towards the end of the season, Dallas’ defense still allowed 473 total points, the most in team history, and 2,541 rushing yards, second only to the 2000 squad.

It all comes full circle for the 37-year-old Gore on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, when his Jets host the team with which he began his career 16 years ago. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)NEW YORK – Frank Gore took his first snap as a pro in what seems like a lifetime ago. “I want to win, especially coming off a loss last week,” Gore said, referring to the Jets' 27-17 defeat at Buffalo. “I love Frank Gore,” said 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, who remembers watching him at the University of Miami while serving as the offensive quality control coach at Tampa Bay from 2004-05. So, to see Gore on Sunday at 37 facing the franchise with which he spent his first 10 NFL seasons might amaze some.

Mike McCarthy lost his debut as coach of the Dallas Cowboys in part because of a curious fourth-down decision that didn’t work. Now the Cowboys (0-1) will see whether a short-term loss can turn into a long-term gain, starting Sunday in their home opener against Atlanta (0-1). WHAT NEEDS HELPThe Cowboys played from behind almost all of the first half because they couldn't defend the screen pass. Vander Esch's injury raises serious questions for the linebackers when the secondary was already the weakest link on the team. The scoreboard didn't show it, but Dallas appears capable of having an offense as productive as last season's top-ranked unit.

DALLAS COWBOYS (8-8)New Faces: Coach Mike McCarthy, backup QB Andy Dalton, WR CeeDee Lamb, DE Everson Griffen, DE Aldon Smith, DT Dontari Poe, S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S Trevon Diggs, K Greg Zuerlein, C Tyler Biadasz. Strengths: If Lamb lives up to hype after unexpectedly falling to Cowboys at No. This season will mark 25 years since last time Dallas won multiple playoff games in same year. Roster is built for that playoff run, McCarthy sees no reason why it shouldn't happen in his Cowboys debut, 10 years after winning Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. McCarthy probably doesn't have another Rodgers in terms of pure ability, but Prescott is capable of leading postseason run that would probably secure long-term contract he's been trying to get since early 2019.

DALLAS COWBOYS (8-8)CAMP SITE: Frisco, TexasLAST YEAR: Season with high expectations ended without playoff spot, leading to departure of coach Jason Garrett. Mike McCarthy, Super Bowl winner in Green Bay a decade ago, took over. IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: McCarthy, WR CeeDee Lamb, DT Gerald McCoy, DE Aldon Smith, DT Dontari Poe, S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, CB Maurice Canady, K Greg Zuerlein. McCarthy won Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers, but hasn't had chance to get to know Prescott face-to-face. EXPECTATIONS: Cowboys still believe they have roster capable of contending for Super Bowl, but patience might be required based on circumstances.