Winner, Losers from Cowboys impressive victory over Cleveland
Alas, the demise of the Cowboys may have been a bit oversold as evidenced by their impressive 33-17 win over the Browns in Cleveland. The entire defensive unit were winners, even though the final score had some window dressing attached. Dallas gave up fewer yards than a Browns defense elevated to elite levels last season. Just imagine when All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland returns for Dallas.
While the victory is sweet, teams and players can always be better. A deep roster chock full of impact players still has a glaring need. An injury scare for a top offensive target had all of Cowboys Nation holding their breath. Special teams cannot be overstated and the unit in Dallas has plenty of dangerous weapons. Many more winners than losers as victory has a way of curing all.
Winner: Eric Kendricks
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 08: Eric Kendricks #50 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after a tackle for loss in the first quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The offseason talk had dissolved into, “They only signed Eric Kendricks in free agency.” That crowd may owe the veteran linebacker an apology after he collected two sacks, two QB hits, and one tackle for loss (TFL) in his Cowboys debut. His nine tackles were good for second-most on the day. He also intercepted Browns quarterback DeShaun Watson, thanks to a Micah Parsons pass deflection.
Not bad for a linebacker taken from right under the nose of a conference rival during free agency. His addition to the team could have been seen as a bridge guy for the younger players but Kendricks showed he still has plenty left to give.
Loser: Jake Ferguson
Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) falls over Cleveland Browns linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) as he is tackled around his ankle during the third quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson had a modest day statistically, catching three passes for 15 yards. His last reception of the day turned into immediate concerns over his knee. Head coach Mike McCarthy takes extra precautions when it comes to the health of the rest of his players but the play Ferguson injured himself can happen at any time.
It appears the Cowboys got lucky and Ferguson isn’t going to be out for the season; he’s actually angling to play this coming weekend against the New Orleans Saints although that seems a bit optimistic. Either way, watching him struggle to walk off the field put a damper on an otherwise good day for Dallas.
Winner: DeMarvion Overshown
Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (13) tackles Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (34) during the third quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was touted as having game-changing ability that could alter the narrative of a disappointing 2023 draft class. After losing his rookie season to a serious knee injury, viewers got to see how suddenly he flashes across the screen. The way he closed on Browns quarterback DeShaun Watson for his first NFL sack looked like someone shot him out of a cannon.
That rare closing burst was something only star pass rusher Micah Parsons had shown but Dallas now has two of those guys. Overshown finished with a team-high 11 tackles, a sack, and two quarterback hits in his first NFL regular-season game.
Loser: The Cowboys run game
OXNARD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 8: Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer of the Dallas Cowboys paces the sideline during a joint practice with Los Angeles Rams at Cowboys training camp on August 8, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Going up against what was the best defense in the league last season has a lot to do with the struggles of the Cowboys run game, but it was still disappointing nonetheless. Running back Ezekiel Elliott led the charge rushing 10 times for 40 yards and a score.
As a whole, the team rushed for 102 total yards, 25 of those coming from three CeeDee Lamb rushes. Lamb is the Cowboys primary passing target. Head coach Mike McCarthy said the team will commit to their run game yet questions remain. The 57/43 percent split in favor of the passing game is a fairly well-balanced offense.
Winner: Brandon Aubrey
Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) kicks a field goal as punter Bryan Anger (5) holds the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey may be one of the most dangerous weapons throughout the entire NFL. Casually hitting what would have been a record-tying 66-yard field goal before being erased by a delay of game penalty is the type of range that could alter defensive strategies late in close games.
This sounds ridiculous but the Dallas offense reaching midfield is now considered field goal range for them. The final stat line for Aubrey is just a ho-hum day of going four for four with makes from 57, 40, 50, and 46 yards, respectively. Like many others, there may have been thoughts about allowing him to attempt that 71-yard kick to end the half.
Kudos to the other special teamers as well. Return specialist Kavonte Turpin returned a punt 60 yards for his first career touchdown on a return. Punter Bryan Anger averaged 49 yards an attempt on his five punts.
Winner: DeMarcus Lawrence
Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) lies on Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) after a sack during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
There were too many winners to name but defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence needed a spot on this list, as he had two sacks, three tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits. The 31-year-old pass rusher lined up all along the defensive line, giving Cleveland fits all day.
For all of his faults, Browns quarterback DeShaun Watson is still a very elusive runner so the stat line could have been even worse. Health permitting, this Cowboys defense sure has figured plenty of things out and Lawrence and having sufficient help from the interior of the defensive line made his day easier.
According to the NFL’s Next Gen stats, Dallas pressured Watson 25 times, notching six sacks on 56 dropbacks. Defensive end Micah Parsons led the team with nine pressures, but Lawrence was just behind him with eight.
Conclusion
The Dallas defense had an outstanding day and not just for a first outing. The Cowboys appear to have playmakers at all three levels, something that had eluded them in the past. Despite a few losses in free agency, the pass rush is still something to reckon with. It was also nice to see a pass rush from the interior of the defensive line.
Linebacker play was almost non-existent last season so having guys tackle and cover is exciting to see. Being able to rotate a stable of them to possibly capitalize on matchups should allow Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to crack a smile from time to time.
Starting rookie linemen Cooper Beebe and Tyler Guyton have another test against a tough run defense in New Orleans. Their development will determine what levels this Cowboys offense could reach. A decent run game would take some pressure off quarterback Dak Prescott but growing pains were probably expected. On to New Orleans.
