5 points: Observations from the Cowboys win in Cleveland
The Dallas Cowboys traveling to face the Cleveland Browns seemed daunting when the schedule came out, especially against a Browns team that was near unbeatable at home in 2023 and had the best defense in the NFL a season ago, returning with its cast of characters.
It’s a classic case of never judging a book by its cover. The Browns, a team that made it to the playoffs last year, turned out to be a mere shadow of their former selves. The Cowboys, on the other hand, dominated every aspect of the game, securing a surprising 33-17 victory. Even before they stepped onto the field they sealed a new contract with Dak Prescott. It was a day full of unexpected turns and thrilling outcomes.
Each week, we’ll be looking at five points from the game that mattered for the Cowboys, and they might not always be rooted in statistics. They could be observations or turning points that helped swing things from one way to another.
Here are the five points and things we learned from the Cowboys Week 1 victory over the Browns.
First Point: The Cowboys won a game they have shown in the past usually goes the opposite way
Ever since Mike McCarthy took over in Dallas, he has emphasized “toughness” as a key tenet of his coaching philosophy. During the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, it was evident that even the Cowboys’ backups were able to hold their own against the Raiders’ starting lineup. Would this level of performance carry into the regular season? Indeed, it did. While the Cowboys have shown toughness in the past, one of their main criticisms last season was their inability to win against formidable opponents.
It’s true that the Cleveland Browns were missing key players like Nick Chubb, Jedrick Wills, and Jack Conklin, and their quarterback situation was uncertain. However, the Browns boasted the number one defense last season and were led by Coach of the Year, Kevin Stefanski. In 2023, the Browns only lost one home game, defeating strong teams like the San Francisco 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals. Myles Garrett, the Defensive Player of the Year, remains a force at the heart of their defense.
Despite these challenges, the Cowboys rose to the occasion and displayed a promising level of determination. If they continue to show this kind of determination against teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and eventually the 49ers, opinions about the Cowboys will surely change.
Second Point: The Cowboys 2024 draft class is as advertised
The front office came under fire last season after their rookie class didn’t make the same impact fans have become accustomed to seeing from Cowboys draft picks. It felt like more pressure than ever on the 2024 selections, given that until the draft, Dallas did almost nothing in free agency to replace important pieces that left for other teams.
On Sunday, Dallas started three rookies (Tyler Guyton, Cooper Beebe and Caelen Carson), the third time since the NFL merger that the Cowboys started three rookies in a season opener. Marshawn Kneeland and Marist Liufau even saw some action that had promising results.
Most of the pressure is on Guyton, Beebe, and Carson, who were all tasked with replacing Pro Bowl players. Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz left in free agency. Carson was thrust into the starting lineup after DaRon Bland suffered a fracture in his foot that’s slated to keep him out the first part of the season.
Guyton had his struggles against Myles Garrett, but what left tackle in the NFL doesn’t, especially in their first NFL start? Beebe had 36 passing snaps and allowed zero pressures in his first start at center—ever! Carson set the tone early with a pass breakup on Amari Cooper and responded well after giving up a touchdown to Jerry Jeudy.
History shows that the teams in Week 1 might not be the same when entering Week 10 of the same season, but if you gauge a rookie off first impressions, there should be a lot of optimism for what 2024 could be for Dallas’ rookie class.
Third Point: The linebacker position is now a strength of the defense
Watching DeMarvion Overshown fly around the field was everything that was promised. Micah Parsons usually looks like the fastest player on defense. However, Overshown may be giving him a run for his money because on that fourth-down sack late in the game, No. 13 was shot out of a cannon and displayed a closing speed that took the internet by storm.
Pairing Overshown, who’s still finding his way as a young player at the position with a savvy veteran like Eric Kendricks may set up the Cowboys defense for success all season. Kendricks was putting guys in position all game, directing traffic in a scheme that’s second nature to him.
Both linebackers finished with at least nine tackles, at least one sack, and put constant pressure on Watson and the offense. If Kendricks and Overshown stay healthy all season, the sky’s the limit for what they could be as a tandem.
Fourth Point: Brandon Aubrey’s leg is the worst kept secret in the NFL
The Cowboys dominated almost the entire first half of football, but when Brandon Aubrey walked out to attempt a 66-yard field goal, whispers around the stadium started to build into loud anticipation across both fan bases. Even FOX analyst Tom Brady expected Dallas to punt, not knowing what Aubrey is capable of.
The Cowboys kicker already hit a field goal from 66 yards in the preseason, but making it during Week 1 would count in the record books, officially tying Justin Tucker’s record. It looked like a miscommunication between the referees and Mike McCarthy, who wondered if the play clock needed to be reset, caused a delay in the game penalty. Aubrey was in the process of the kick and made with room to spare.
It didn’t count due to the penalty, but McCarthy was set to send Aubrey back out for a second attempt, but this time at 71 yards! During Monday’s press conference, McCarthy said he took off his headset and was ready to go into the half with the attempt, but special teams coordinator John Fassel shot down the idea, fearing a return from the Browns if it were short.
McCarthy’s confidence in his kicker’s ability to attempt a field goal of over 70 yards in an outdoor venue proves how valuable a weapon he could be in the postseason when points may be hard to come by. The ability to score three points the moment you cross into enemy territory could make the difference between advancing to the championship or not, as the Cowboys head coach.
Fifth Point: Extending Dak Prescott was the right thing to do.
Jori Epstein of Yahoo! Sports published a column on Monday detailing how the Cowboys and Prescott reached the record-setting four-year, $260 million extension. Epstein mentions little to no momentum on a new deal in the article before the team left for Cleveland on Saturday.
Prescott talked about how he let his agent handle the negotiations, but when Jerry Jones asked if he had spoken to Todd France (Prescott’s agent) over the past “24 to 12 hours,” the wheels seemed to be moving on a deal getting done.
However, when Prescott followed up with France, there didn’t seem to be as much confidence on their end, and the franchise quarterback got on the plane Saturday expecting to play this season without a new deal.
When the news came about Prescott’s new deal, the pressure was seemingly lifted off many Cowboys fans shoulders. Why? Because if you watched the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers play football, the Cowboys could have been in their shoes next season with Prescott potentially wearing their jerseys.
Alright, 24 hours later, how do #Cowboys fans feel about the Dak Prescott deal?
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) September 9, 2024
If the Cowboys quarterback made it to free agency next offseason, Dallas not only might be paying more than the $60 million a year they agreed upon, but they would have to negotiate against 31 other teams around the league and about five who would be desperate to offer Prescott $70 million annually.
Say what you wish about Prescott’s postseason success; he’s proven to be a winner in the regular season, and that’s what it takes to set the market at quarterback. That’s been confirmed this offseason, especially with new deals handed to Tua Tagovailoa, Trevor Lawrence, and Jordan Love—three quarterbacks with just one postseason win combined.
The grass isn’t always greener, and the Cowboys could have been in a dark place a year from now with Trey Lance or whoever the quarterback is. Now, they enter the year with zero distractions and all the focus on what Prescott wants most for his football legacy—to win a Super Bowl as the quarterback of America’s Team.