Concerns? What concerns?
There were so many questions marks surrounding the Dallas Cowboys as they headed into their season opener at the Cleveland Browns. How would coordinator Mike Zimmer's new defense come together? Would CeeDee Lamb be ready after sitting out all of training camp? How would the rookies hold up on the offensive line? Could Dak Prescott and the starters hit the ground running after not playing a snap in the preseason?
So much for that. Not only did the Cowboys take care of business with a 33-17 victory at Cleveland, they did so convincingly, matching the Browns' physicality step for step.
Fresh off his newly signed contract, Prescott wasted no time getting to work. He threw for 179 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions for an 85.3 passer rating. Eight different players hauled in catches with Lamb certainly showing no signs of a slow start. He finished with five grabs for a game-high 61 receiving yards.
But the way Zimmer's defense was playing, the Cowboys offense didn't have to worry much. The unit held Browns quarterback DeShaun Watson to 169 passing yards, one score and two interceptions for a 51.1 rating, while sacking him six times. Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence led the effort with both wreaking havoc on Cleveland's banged-up offensive line.
And welcome to Dallas, Eric Kendricks. In his debut with the team, the linebacker tied for the club lead with 10 tackles, recorded his first interception since the 2021 season and had a pair of sacks, his first multi-sack effort since the 2016 campaign.
Even special teams got into the act as coordinator John Fassel's group provided 18 points on the day. Brandon Aubrey picked up right where he left off, converting all four of his field goal attempts.
First Quarter
The Cowboys didn't exactly get out to the start they wanted, but the feeling didn't last long. With Bryan Anger having to punt on the team's first possession, the ensuing return was brought back 28 yards by the Browns to the Dallas 46. The Cowboys defense kept the damage to a minimum, though, as Cleveland had to settle for a 51-yard field goal for an early 3-0 lead.
No worries, Prescott and the offense got rolling on their next series. The quarterback threw a honey of a pass to Lamb down the right sideline for 34 yards, and then three snaps later beat the Cleveland blitz with a 21-yard pass to an all-alone Brandin Cooks in the end zone for the touchdown.
Second Quarter
After both sides traded a pair of punts, the Cowboys took their second series of the second frame and marched 78 yards in 11 plays to pay dirt. Ezekiel Elliott, who finished with 40 rushing yards on 10 carries, played a heavy role this time around, providing 24 of yards on four touches. The last of those was a 3-yard burst up the middle to the goal line.
That was followed on Dallas' next possession by Aubrey showing off his formidable leg. Remember, he was good on a 65-yard field goal during the preseason, so a 57-yarder was a piece of cake.
But the Cowboys weren't done for the half. On second-and-14 at his own 26, Cleveland's Watson had his attempted pass batted up into the air by Parsons with Kendricks then coming down with the interception. That eventually led to another Aubrey field goal, this from 40 yards.
Still, Aubrey almost got another chance. With 4 seconds left in the quarter, head coach Mike McCarthy sent his kicker out to try what would have been a record-tying 66-yard field goal. And Aubrey was good on his attempt; however, a delay of game penalty was called right before the snap.
Dallas contemplated giving him a shot at a 71-yard field goal, but then thought better of it, the Cowboys going into the break with a 20-3 advantage.
In the first half alone, the Cowboys outgained their hosts 216 yards to just 54.
Third Quarter
Already enjoying a 17-point lead, the Cowboys weren't about to take their foot off the gas. After the defense forced a quick three-and-out, KaVontae Turpin gathered in the Browns' punt at his own 40-yard line. He then darted up the middle, cut to the right sideline, picked up the blocks he needed and went the distance for a 60-yard touchdown, the first punt return score of his career. It was also the first punt return touchdown for the Cowboys since the 2017 season.
Cleveland finally showed signs of life on its next series, traveling 75 yards in 12 plays for a score. Watson completed 6 of 10 passes for 71 yards, the last of which was a 6-yard dart to Jerry Jeudy just inside the right pylon to narrow the deficit somewhat, 27-10.
But when linebacker DeMarvion Overshown then shot out of a cannon to sack Watson on fourth-and-6 at the Browns' 49-yard line, Dallas was back in business in enemy territory. Prescott and company weren't able to make much progress, but it was enough for Aubrey, who booted a 50-yard field goal to up the score to 30-10.
Fourth Quarter
Although there was still a quarter to play, the game was essentially already decided. Which meant the Browns were forced to again go for it on fourth down deep in their own territory. Which meant when the Dallas defense stopped them, the offense was in prime position once more. Which meant that Aubrey would come out for another field goal, this one from 46 yards.
So why not get Trevon Diggs into the action? Cleveland had crossed over into Dallas territory again, but in his first game back after missing all but two games in 2023 due to injury, the Pro Bowl cornerback corralled a tipped pass for an interception.
But the Cowboys were content to run out the clock and eventually did. The Browns added a 4-yard touchdown run in the closing seconds, but it was far too little, far too late as Dallas wrapped up a 33-17 victory.
The Cowboys will now head back to AT&T Stadium to host the New Orleans Saints next weekend at noon in their 2024 home opener.
