Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats

On September 8, 2024, the Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats in an electrifying NFL Week 1 matchup at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cowboys dominated the game, securing a 33-17 victory that showcased their offensive balance and defensive prowess. This game was a thrilling display of talent, with standout performances from both teams. Whether you’re a die-hard Cowboys fan, a Browns supporter, or just love football, this comprehensive guide dives into the key player stats, game highlights, and defining moments of this exciting matchup. Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of all ages.

Game Overview: Cowboys Dominate in Cleveland

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2024 season with high expectations, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, who signed a record-breaking four-year, $240 million contract just hours before kickoff. The Browns, powered by their star defensive end Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, were determined to defend their home turf. However, it was Dallas’ defense, spearheaded by linebacker Micah Parsons, that stole the show, putting relentless pressure on Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. The final score of 33-17 reflected the Cowboys’ ability to control both sides of the ball, with key contributions from their offense, defense, and special teams.

This article will cover the player stats for passing, rushing, receiving, kicking, and defense, along with a game summary and key highlights. We’ll also include a table summarizing the top performers for quick reference. Let’s dive into the numbers and see who made the biggest impact in this game.

Passing Stats: Dak Prescott Shines, Deshaun Watson Struggles

Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott’s Steady Performance

Dak Prescott, fresh off his massive contract extension, delivered a solid performance for the Cowboys. He completed 19 of 32 passes for 179 yards, throwing one touchdown and no interceptions, earning a quarterback rating of 85.3. Prescott’s composure under pressure was evident, especially in the first half, where he connected with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb on a beautiful 34-yard pass down the right sideline. His touchdown pass came on a 21-yard strike to Brandin Cooks, who outmaneuvered Browns safety Juan Thornhill for an uncontested grab in the end zone. Prescott’s ability to manage the game and avoid turnovers was crucial in maintaining Dallas’ lead, allowing him to spend much of the second half relaxing on the sideline as the Cowboys’ defense took control.

Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson’s Tough Day

On the other side, Deshaun Watson faced a challenging return after missing time due to a shoulder injury in 2023. Watson completed 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions, resulting in a quarterback rating of 51.1. The Cowboys’ defense, led by Micah Parsons and Eric Kendricks, pressured Watson relentlessly, sacking him six times and forcing him to hold the ball too long on several plays. Watson’s touchdown came in the third quarter on a 6-yard pass to Jerry Jeudy, but his two interceptions and multiple overthrows highlighted Cleveland’s offensive struggles. By halftime, the Browns had only 54 yards of total offense, underscoring Watson’s difficulty in finding a rhythm against Dallas’ ferocious defense.

Rushing Stats: Ezekiel Elliott and Jerome Ford Lead the Ground Game

Dallas Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliott’s Efficient Return

Ezekiel Elliott, back with the Cowboys after a stint with the New England Patriots, led Dallas’ rushing attack with 40 yards on 10 carries, including a 3-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. His physical running style set the tone for the Cowboys’ balanced offense, helping them control the clock and wear down the Browns’ defense. Rico Dowdle also contributed, adding 26 yards on 8 carries, while Prescott scrambled for 8 yards on 2 carries. The Cowboys’ rushing game wasn’t explosive but was effective enough to complement their passing attack and keep Cleveland’s defense guessing.

Cleveland Browns: Jerome Ford’s Lone Bright Spot

For the Browns, Jerome Ford was the primary rusher, gaining 44 yards on 12 carries and scoring a 2-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to make the score more respectable. Pierre Strong Jr. added 15 yards on 4 carries, and Watson scrambled for 39 yards on 5 carries, including a 16-yard run on a critical fourth-down play late in the game. Despite these efforts, the Browns’ rushing attack struggled to gain traction, managing only 93 total rushing yards against a stout Dallas defense. The absence of star running back Nick Chubb, who was sidelined due to injury, was a significant factor in Cleveland’s limited ground game.

Receiving Stats: CeeDee Lamb and David Njoku Top the Charts

Dallas Cowboys: CeeDee Lamb’s Reliable Hands

CeeDee Lamb, coming off his own $136 million contract extension, led the Cowboys’ receiving corps with 5 receptions for 61 yards. His 34-yard catch in the first quarter set up Dallas’ first touchdown, showcasing his ability to make big plays. Brandin Cooks contributed 4 receptions for 40 yards, including the 21-yard touchdown, while tight end Jake Ferguson added 3 catches for 15 yards before leaving the game with a knee injury. Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin also chipped in with 1 reception each, helping Dallas spread the ball around effectively. The Cowboys’ passing game was efficient, with Prescott targeting seven different receivers to keep the Browns’ secondary on its toes.

Cleveland Browns: David Njoku’s Effort in a Tough Game

David Njoku was the Browns’ leading receiver, catching 4 passes for 44 yards, but he suffered a sprained ankle that could sideline him for several weeks. Jerry Jeudy added 3 receptions for 25 yards, including his 6-yard touchdown, while Amari Cooper, a former Cowboy, managed 2 catches for 16 yards against his old team. Elijah Moore and Jordan Akins each had 3 receptions, but none of Cleveland’s receivers could break free for significant gains due to Dallas’ tight coverage and constant pressure on Watson. The Browns’ passing game totaled just 169 yards, reflecting their offensive struggles throughout the game.

Kicking Stats: Brandon Aubrey’s Perfect Day vs. Dustin Hopkins’ Consistency

Dallas Cowboys: Brandon Aubrey’s Long-Range Precision

Kicker Brandon Aubrey was a standout for the Cowboys, going 4-for-4 on field goals with makes from 57, 50, 46, and 40 yards. His 57-yard field goal in the second quarter extended Dallas’ lead to 17-3, and his 50-yarder in the third quarter pushed it to 30-10. Aubrey nearly tied the NFL record with a 66-yard field goal attempt at the end of the first half, but it was nullified due to a delay-of-game penalty. His consistent long-range kicking was a major factor in Dallas’ ability to maintain a comfortable lead. Aubrey also made all three of his extra-point attempts, contributing 15 points to the Cowboys’ total.

Cleveland Browns: Dustin Hopkins’ Reliable Boot

Dustin Hopkins was perfect for the Browns, making his only field goal attempt from 51 yards in the first quarter to give Cleveland an early 3-0 lead. He also converted both extra-point attempts after the Browns’ two touchdowns. While Hopkins didn’t get as many opportunities as Aubrey, his accuracy from long range remains a strength for Cleveland, as he’s made all nine of his 50-plus-yard attempts since joining the team in 2023.

Defensive Stats: Micah Parsons and Eric Kendricks Lead the Way

Dallas Cowboys: A Defensive Masterclass

The Cowboys’ defense was the story of the game, overwhelming the Browns’ offense with relentless pressure and tight coverage. Linebacker Eric Kendricks was named the statistical MVP, recording 9 tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception that set up a field goal in the second quarter. Micah Parsons, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, added 1 sack and multiple pressures, disrupting Watson’s rhythm throughout the game. DeMarvion Overshown also contributed a sack, and Trevon Diggs sealed the defensive dominance with an interception in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys’ defense held the Browns to just 230 total yards, including a measly 54 yards in the first half, and forced two turnovers while recording six sacks.

Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett’s Effort Not Enough

Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, led the Browns’ defense with 1 sack and several pressures on Prescott, but it wasn’t enough to slow down Dallas’ balanced attack. The Browns’ defense struggled to contain the Cowboys’ offense, particularly in the first half, allowing 216 yards by halftime. Cleveland’s secondary, including safety Juan Thornhill, was exposed on key plays like Lamb’s 34-yard catch and Cooks’ touchdown. The Browns recorded 2 sacks and limited Dallas to 295 total yards, but their inability to generate turnovers or stop the Cowboys’ special teams plays proved costly.

Special Teams: KaVontae Turpin’s Game-Changing Return

The turning point of the game came in the third quarter when Cowboys return specialist KaVontae Turpin broke free for a 60-yard punt return touchdown, giving Dallas a commanding 27-3 lead. This play shifted the momentum decisively in the Cowboys’ favor, as the Browns struggled to respond. Turpin’s speed and elusiveness made him a difference-maker on special teams, and his touchdown was one of the game’s defining moments. For the Browns, punter Corey Bojorquez averaged 44.5 yards on 6 punts, but Turpin’s return exposed Cleveland’s coverage unit.

Game Summary: Key Moments and Turning Points

The game started with the Browns taking an early 3-0 lead on Hopkins’ 51-yard field goal. However, the Cowboys quickly responded with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Prescott to Cooks, taking a 7-3 lead in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Elliott’s 3-yard touchdown run and Aubrey’s field goals from 57 and 40 yards extended Dallas’ lead to 20-3 by halftime. The Browns managed just one first down and 54 total yards in the first half, as Dallas’ defense dominated.

In the third quarter, Turpin’s 60-yard punt return touchdown pushed the lead to 27-3, effectively putting the game out of reach. The Browns answered with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Watson to Jeudy, but Aubrey’s 50-yard field goal kept Dallas ahead 30-10. In the fourth quarter, Aubrey added a 46-yard field goal, and the Browns’ late 2-yard touchdown run by Ford made the final score 33-17. The Cowboys’ defense, special teams, and efficient offense proved too much for Cleveland to handle.

Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Top Performers Table

Player	Team	Position	Stats
Dak Prescott	Cowboys	QB	19/32, 179 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 85.3 rating
Ezekiel Elliott	Cowboys	RB	10 carries, 40 yards, 1 TD
CeeDee Lamb	Cowboys	WR	5 receptions, 61 yards
Brandin Cooks	Cowboys	WR	4 receptions, 40 yards, 1 TD
Brandon Aubrey	Cowboys	K	4/4 FG (57, 50, 46, 40 yards), 3/3 XP
Eric Kendricks	Cowboys	LB	9 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT
Micah Parsons	Cowboys	LB	1 sack, multiple pressures
Deshaun Watson	Browns	QB	24/45, 169 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, 51.1 rating
Jerome Ford	Browns	RB	12 carries, 44 yards, 1 TD
David Njoku	Browns	TE	4 receptions, 44 yards
Jerry Jeudy	Browns	WR	3 receptions, 25 yards, 1 TD
Dustin Hopkins	Browns	K	1/1 FG (51 yards), 2/2 XP
Myles Garrett	Browns	DE	1 sack, multiple pressures
KaVontae Turpin	Cowboys	WR/Returner	60-yard punt return TD

Why This Game Matters

The Cowboys’ 33-17 victory set the tone for their 2024 season, showcasing their potential as a Super Bowl contender. Dak Prescott’s steady performance, combined with a dominant defense and explosive special teams, proved Dallas is a well-rounded team. For the Browns, the loss highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in protecting Watson and generating consistent offense without key players like Nick Chubb. The matchup between Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett lived up to its billing as a clash of defensive titans, but Parsons and the Cowboys’ defense had the upper hand.

Historical Context: Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Rivalry

The Browns lead the all-time series 18-15 (14-16 regular season, 1-2 postseason), but the Cowboys have won 3 of the last 4 matchups, including this 2024 game. Historically, Dallas has a slight edge in passing yards (6,000 vs. 5,136) and rushing yards (4,202 vs. 3,641). This Week 1 clash added another chapter to a balanced rivalry that dates back to 1960, with both teams showcasing their strengths despite the lopsided score.

Looking Ahead

For the Cowboys, this win provides momentum as they aim to end their Super Bowl drought. Prescott’s contract extension and the team’s defensive dominance signal a bright future. For the Browns, the loss underscores the need to protect Watson better and find offensive consistency, especially with injuries to key players like Njoku and Chubb. Both teams will use this game as a learning experience as they navigate the 2024 season.

Conclusion

The Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats on September 8, 2024, was a thrilling start to the NFL season, with Dallas emerging victorious thanks to standout performances from Dak Prescott, Eric Kendricks, Brandon Aubrey, and KaVontae Turpin. The Browns showed flashes of potential with Jerome Ford and Jerry Jeudy, but their offense struggled against Dallas’ relentless defense. This game was a testament to the Cowboys’ depth and the Browns’ resilience, setting the stage for an exciting 2024 season. Whether you’re breaking down the stats or reliving the highlights, this game had something for every football fan to enjoy.