Hours before the Dallas Cowboys kicked off against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, Dak Prescott signed a four-year, $240 million contract with $231 million guaranteed. This contract makes Prescott the highest-paid player in the NFL, earning $60 million per season on average.
Following his massive extension, Prescott and the Cowboys hit the road to take on Cleveland in a matchup that featured strong play on the defensive and special teams sides of the ball.
Dak Prescott and the Offense Do Enough
After Prescott’s historic contract signing, the Cowboys were able to perform well enough on offense, showing their two most recent contract extensions were worth the offseason drama.
Prescott opened the season by completing 19 of 32 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks while facing a Browns defense that ranked first in yards and 13th in points allowed last year.
After losing Tony Pollard in the offseason, the Cowboys’ rushing attack was led by Ezekiel Elliott, who rushed 10 times for 40 yards and a touchdown. After a down season in New England last year, Elliott found the end zone in his first game back with Dallas.
One thing to note with Dallas’ offensive performance is the lack of quarterback pressures allowed. Myles Garrett, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, was held to just one sack against Dallas this week. All things considered, that’s not a bad stat line to surrender to the reigning DPOY.
As the season progresses, Dallas will expect more from its freshly-paid quarterback, but in this matchup, the offense played well enough for the victory.
DC Mike Zimmer Dominates in Debut
In his return as Dallas’ defensive coordinator, former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer called a phenomenal game against Cleveland.
Through the first two quarters of play, Zimmer’s defense allowed just three points. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had a tough time in the pocket all game, which kept the Browns from having much success in the game.
Watson completed just 24 of 45 passing attempts for 169 yards, one touchdown, and a pair of interceptions. Zimmer was getting after him all game, as the Cowboys finished Sunday’s matchup with six sacks and 17 QB hits.
Along with the tenacious pass rush, Zimmer’s defense played exceptionally well in coverage, with Eric Kendricks and Trevon Diggs both coming away with an interception.
As Micah Parsons looks for a new contract, his pairing with Zimmer appears to bode well for the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Parsons ended this game with four tackles, one sack, and five QB hits, showing his ability to rush the quarterback at an elite level.
KaVontae Turpin, Brandon Aubrey Star on Special Teams
The stars shined brightest on special teams on Sunday.
Wow 😩
Brandon Aubrey would have tied the NFL record for longest FG with this attempt… But there was a delay of game penalty.
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/DpDiVfcRkz
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 8, 2024
Brandon Aubrey was perfect with his leg, making all four of his field-goal attempts and all three of his PATs. He also nailed a 57-yard field goal on his first try of the day.
And though it didn’t count due to a delay of game penalty, Aubrey booted a 66-yard field goal through the uprights, which would’ve tied the NFL record set by Justin Tucker.
On top of Aubrey’s impressive special teams performance, KaVontae Turpin made a huge impact in the return game.
Turpin returned just one punt for 34 yards, but the new kickoff rules appear to favor the former USFL MVP.
In his five kick returns against Cleveland, Turpin finished the afternoon with 96 yards and a touchdown.
With the Cowboys firing on all cylinders in all three phases this week, they could be a scary team to face down the stretch.