On September 8, 2024, the Cleveland Browns faced the Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field. Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady made his broadcasting debut. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott entered the game by signing the highest-paid contract in NFL history ($240 million). Running back Ezekiel Elliot returns to the Cowboys. The Browns’ 2023 playoff defense could not stop the Cowboys’ offense. The Cowboys return to Arlington, Texas with a victory, 33–17. This article is a comprehensive report of the game’s essential information.
First Half: Dallas Cowboys’ Spectacle Against A Playoff Defense
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Prescott is coming out of his best season last year. He threw for 4,516 yards (third in the NFL), 36 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He had a 73.4 quarterback rating. It’s their head coach Mike McCarthy’s fifth year with the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cleveland Browns are returning to the NFL after a disappointing last season losing their starting quarterback Deshaun Watson early. The Browns last met the Cowboys in week 4 of 2020. The Browns won 49–38. The Cowboys had the most pressure in the league last year. The Browns’ defense was first in the NFL last year.
The Cowboys were the first offensive team on the field, with a drive ending in a punt. The Browns ended their first drive on a 51-yard field goal. In the first half, Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward disrupted the Cowboys’ passing attack. Despite the Browns’ tight coverage, it was not enough to stop the Cowboys’ offense from scoring. In their second drive, Dak Prescott notices an all-out blitz. He then audibles a deep route for Brandin Cooks, who catches an accurate lob pass for a touchdown.
Throughout the game, Prescott threw precisely cutting through man coverage. He was excellent when throwing against man-to-man coverage last year. The Cowboys’ pass rush caused Watson to make some anxious incompletions. Browns punter Corey Bojorquez showed off his cannon leg throughout the game. Browns’ defensive lineman Myles Garrett shifted on the right and left — the AP 2023 defensive player of the year. In crucial moments, he stopped the Cowboys from moving the chains.
Elliott played in his standard powerful fashion — juking and swerving around defenders. The Cowboys brought him back last year because of their issues in the red zone. They finalized the game with 25 total rushing attempts, 102 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown.
Cowboys’ Micah Parsons pressured the Browns throughout the game, shining as a star once again. Cowboys’ kicker Brandon Aubrey continued the trend of exceptional field-goal accuracy. Last season, he went 36–38 with 94.7% completion. Today, he completed four magical field goals. Aaron Kendricks caught a tipped pass by Parsons. The first half ended 20–3 Cowboys.
Second Half: Defensive Lockdown On A Yellow Cleveland Browns’ Field
Early in the third quarter, Dallas Cowboys’ punt returner KaVontae Turpin carried a sixty-yard return into the house. Watson improved in the third quarter, moving the chains after multiple frustrating drives. Watson threw the Browns’ first touchdown in the third quarter to Jerry Jeudy on an out route.
Prescott looked relatively sluggish in the third quarter after an energetic first half. Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku walked off the field with an ankle injury — questionable to return. Jourdan Lewis made some excellent tackles, keeping the Browns at bay on Lake Erie. Cowboys’ tight end Jake Ferguson limped off the field with an injury.
The Cowboys blitzed frequently and finished with six sacks. The Browns suffocated on penalties (eleven). They struggled to move the chains the whole game. The Cowboys’ offensive line blocked Garrett in the second half. They struggled to keep up their explosive performance. Cornerback Trevon Diggs picked a dropped-pass-turned-clean interception in the fourth quarter.
Parsons moved around the defensive line and linebacker row throughout the game, intimidating the Browns in all positions. Watson made some impressive scrambling plays, getting first downs with his legs when Dallas covered the air. Cowboys defensive lineman Jordan Phillips gave Watson a massive hit that led to a dropped deep pass by Amari Cooper.
Conclusion
The Cowboys had 179 passing yards and a single passing touchdown, all from Prescott. He threw for 19/32 pass completions. The Browns had 169 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and two interceptions. They had 93 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. The Cowboys deserved the victory and proved one of the most competitive teams on offense and defense this year. The Browns are still a frugal defense, but they will want to minimize critical losses against the league’s top performers like this one moving forward. Next week, the Browns will visit the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Cowboys will face the New Orleans Saints at home.
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