CLEVELAND — The Dallas Cowboys beat the Cleveland Browns 33-17 to open their 2024 season thanks to efficient first-half quarterback play from Dak Prescott and some special plays on special teams in the second half.
News broke hours before kickoff on Sunday that Prescott and the Cowboys agreed to a four-year, $240 million extension. The NFL’s new highest-paid player put his money where his mouth is and continued where he left off last regular season.
Prescott was an efficient 14-of-21 in the first half for 156 yards and one touchdown but struggled a little more later on. Prescott finished the game completing 19-of-32 passes for 179 yards and one touchdown.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said in his postgame press conference the second half was "sloppy," but said the team ultimately did a good job overall coming getting the win. Prescott shared a similar sentiment of self-criticism, saying he wasn't happy with his performance albeit a win in Week 1.
Special teams were crucial to the Cowboys' win, as well, as kicker Brandon Aubrey hit four field goals (and could have had an opportunity from 71 yards at the half but Mike McCarthy is no fun), and return specialist KaVontae Turpin took a punt back 60 yards to the house.
Dallas started their 2024 season off a bit slow, getting behind the chains and going three-and-out on their opening drive. With a short field, Deshaun Watson and the Browns struck first with a 51-yard field goal.
Prescott responded with a 34-yard touchdown to Brandin Cooks and Ezekiel Elliott extended that first-half lead with a three-yard touchdown run. Elliott rushed for 37 yards and one touchdown on the day.
Watson and the Browns struggled mightily in the first half, scrounging up only 54 total yards. Watson’s first touchdown of the season came in the third quarter on a six-yard pass to Jerry Jeudy. The Browns finished the game with 230 total yards and were 2-for-15 on third down. McCarthy praised his defense's ability to give the offense more opportunities via turnovers and controlling the field position.
Browns running back Jerome Ford scored a two-yard touchdown with 29 seconds remaining to make it 33-17. Ford rushed for 44 yards on 12 carries.
Tight end Jake Ferguson went back to the locker room in the second half with a knee injury. The severity of the injury was unclear, but the Cowboys said he was questionable to return to the game.
The Cowboys will host the New Orleans Saints in Week 2, who opened their respective 2024 season with a 47-10 drumming of the Carolina Panthers.
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