NFL teams
Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Greg Hardy debuts for Cowboys, opens with sacks against Tom Brady

NFL, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Greg Hardy said he was excited to see Tom Brady in his debut with the Dallas Cowboys against the New England Patriots on Sunday. It didn't take long for Hardy to say hello.

On the Patriots' first series, Hardy helped Rolando McClain sack Brady. Both Hardy and McClain were making their returns from suspensions. On the second series, Hardy sacked Brady for a 7-yard loss after beating Nate Solder around the edge.

As Brady came out for the third series, Hardy stared at the quarterback the entire way. However, the Cowboys defensive end was called for an illegal use of the hands on the first play of that series. He then forced a Brady fumble in the second quarter that was recovered by the Patriots.

Hardy finished with five tackles, two sacks and the forced fumble in the Cowboys' 30-6 loss.

"I love seeing Tom Brady, he's cool as crap," Hardy said earlier this week. "Have you seen his wife? I hope she comes to the game. I hope her sister comes to the game, all her friends come to the game. One of my favorite games of the year, guys."

Many took issue with Hardy's comments, along with a lack of contrition surrounding the domestic violence arrest that led to his missing 19 regular-season games over the past two seasons. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett spoke with Hardy immediately after he made the comments.

Hardy declined to comment Sunday when asked about the controversy.

Hardy had a 4-yard sack of Brady the last time he played the Patriots, in 2013 while with the Carolina Panthers.

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