Dallas City News

The Dallas Cowboys are back. After a long-awaited return, America’s Team was back in action and did not disappoint. After a few bumps in the road for the offense, which were caused by penalties, the Cowboys promptly took control of the game and took a big lead over the Cleveland Browns. Thanks to holding the Browns to 0-for-5 on third-down attempts in the first half, Dallas took a 20-3 lead into halftime. The defense rattled Deshaun Watson and kept him and the Browns at a woeful 2.3 yards per attempt entering the break. The Cowboys kept the onslaught going after the half when KaVontae Turpin returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown to all but put the Browns away early in the third quarter. It was a dominating performance and an excellent way for the Cowboys to get off on the right foot. Here’s a closer look at the players that helped bring the Cowboys to victory.

Caelen Carson

The Cowboys are relying heavily on the rookie fifth-round pick Caelen Carson. It’s a big ask to expect a rookie to perform as well as he did, taking on the tough assignment of being matched up with crafty route runners such as Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy. On Sunday, Carson’s traits were as good as advertised. His excellent instincts to see the routes as they developed put him in ideal position while in coverage several times. A few times, he was able to jump routes and very nearly come away with interceptions. The Browns tested Carson deep, and he didn’t panic with the ball in-flight. Not once did Carson look like the moment was too big for him, or he was awestruck playing in his first NFL game. While the Cowboys wait for DaRon Bland’s return, Carson gives the defensive coaching staff confidence and they should be pleased with how poised he looked.

CeeDee Lamb

It must be the money. Fresh off brand new contracts, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb were back together, and Lamb showed why the Cowboys paid a premium to have him. Lamb is one of the most fearless receivers in the NFL regarding going over the middle. Drawing the attention of the talented Browns’ defense, Lamb didn’t hesitate to sacrifice his body over the middle to make difficult catches. Arguably his best catch of the day was a 34-yard grab over Denzel Ward, much to the chagrin of the Browns sideline. Lamb contributed with a spirited 25 yards on the ground game, another shining example of his toughness. He led the team with 61 receiving yards. Lamb’s performance was modest per his usual standards. However, he reaffirmed his status as the engine of the Cowboys’ offense and appeared ready to deliver the Cowboys an immediate return on the investment with a new contract.

Micah Parsons

Micah Parsons is amazing. What else is new? The Dallas pass rush was relentless and set up shop in the Browns’ backfield all afternoon. Without their top two tackles, the Browns were under siege by the Cowboys pass rush led by Micah Parsons. Parsons recorded nine quarterback pressures against the Browns’ makeshift offensive line. Their unit was jittery at the prospect of having to stop Parsons. He drew multiple pre-snap penalties on backup tackle Dawand Jones. Parsons was lined up all over the field with several offensive linemen accounting for him, which meant nothing. He sorted through double-teams and countless chips from the running backs, yet still, he managed to make things difficult for Watson and the Browns. The Lion pounced on the Browns.

DeMarvion Overshown

It’s easy to forget that this was DeMarvion Overshown’s first regular season game as a professional. However, Overshown looked like a seasoned veteran. His best attribute is his explosive speed for the position. He moves like a safety but hits with every bit of force like a linebacker. Overshown was a heat-seeking missile as he launched his way into the Browns ball-carriers. Overshown led all players with a game-high 11 tackles, six of the solo variety. He has also joined the sack frenzy, getting to Deshaun Watson for his own sack. Watson’s defining trait as a passer is extending plays from outside the pocket and hitting his playmakers deep down the field. With Overshown in pursuit, that did not happen. For the mobile quarterbacks who the Cowboys will face, they better watch out. Overshown is an excellent counter to defend quarterbacks out of the pocket, and athleticism is an asset the team is happy to have.

Demarcus Lawrence

DeMarcus Lawrence made one splash play after another. Aside from constantly getting to Watson with plenty of quarterback knockdowns and pressures, he also played the run terrifically, as he has been known to do for years. Lawrence dropped the ball carrier in the backfield three times. He also sacked Watson twice, including forcing a fumble. The 11-year pro keeps on ticking.

Eric Kendricks

What was a weakness has become a strength with a corps of talented linebackers the Cowboys have, with Eric Kendricks as the group leader. Kendricks was also Johnny-on-the-spot as he alertly intercepted a pass deflected by Parsons. The linebacker unit looked great, and Kendricks’ two sacks were a sight to see.