Key insights on the Dallas Cowboys’ impressive season opener victory in Cleveland
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Key points to understand about the Dallas Cowboys’ 33-17 victory over the Browns in Cleveland on Sunday to start the season:
The contract ➡️
Before the game, news surfaced that quarterback Dak Prescott and the Cowboys had reached an agreement on a four-year, $240 million deal. It’s the largest contract in NFL history.
The MVP ➡️
Close call. Kicker Brandon Aubrey? Quarterback Dak Prescott? Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and the Cowboys’ defense? It’s hard to hand out just one game ball. Zimmer’s defense takes the spotlight as seven different players applied pressure on Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson all day. The Browns were limited to 230 yards, sacked six times, and picked off twice.
27 straight points ➡️
After Dustin Hopkins of the Browns made a 51-yard field goal with 9:23 remaining in the first quarter to put Cleveland ahead 3-0, the Cowboys responded by scoring 27 consecutive points, taking a 27-3 advantage early in the third quarter.
The punt return ➡️
Kavontae Turpin’s 60-yard punt return (along with Aubrey’s extra point) sealed the victory. The touchdown followed the Browns’ first possession of the second half, which stalled.
Aubrey’s big day ➡️
The Cowboys’ second-year kicker had an impressive day, though it had the potential to be even better.
Aubrey kicked four field goals from distances of 57, 40, 50, and 46 yards, along with three extra points. Just before halftime, he set up and made a 66-yard field goal, which would have matched the longest in NFL history. However, a penalty against the Cowboys canceled the kick and moved the ball back by 5 yards. Coach Mike McCarthy decided against attempting a 71-yard field goal.
Zeke’s return ➡️
Running back Ezekiel Elliott spearheaded a ground game that amassed 102 yards on 25 attempts. Elliott himself carried the ball 10 times for 40 yards, while five other players each contributed with at least one rush.
Prescott’s numbers ➡️
Prescott marked his significant contract with a solid performance, though it wasn’t record-breaking. He achieved 19 completions out of 32 attempts, totaling 179 yards and a touchdown, without throwing any interceptions.
Injuries to receivers ➡️
Wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who snagged the first touchdown of the season for the Cowboys, and tight end Jake Ferguson both limped off the field with injuries in the third quarter. Cooks was said to be dehydrated and came back onto the field, while Ferguson seemed to have sustained a knee injury.
Scoring recap ➡️
FIRST QUARTER
CLE: Dustin Hopkins, 51-yard field goal, 9:23. Browns lead 3-0
DAL: Brandin Cooks, 21-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Brandon Aubrey kick). 6:55. Cowboys lead 7-3
SECOND QUARTER
DAL: Ezekiel Elliott, 3-yard run (Aubrey kick). 5:15. Cowboys lead 14-3
DAL: Aubrey, 57-yard field goal. 2:06. Cowboys lead 17-3
DAL: Aubrey, 40-yard field goal. 0:51. Cowboys lead 20-3
THIRD QUARTER
DAL: KaVontae Turpin, 60-yard field goal (Aubrey kick). 12:59. Cowboys lead 27-3.
CLE: Jerry Jeudy, 6-yard pass from DeShaun Watson (Hopkins kick). 8:42. Cowboys lead 27-10
DAL: Aubrey, 50-yard field goal. 1:27. Cowboys lead 30-10
FOURTH QUARTER
DAL: Aubrey, 46-yard field goal. 11:51. Cowboys lead 33-10
CLE: Jerome Ford,2-yard run (Hopkins kick). 0:29. Cowboys lead 33-17
Up next ➡️
The Cowboys host their season opener on September 15 versus the New Orleans Saints. The game begins at noon at AT&T Stadium.
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