The Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats off in an electrifying NFL matchup on September 8, 2024, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cowboys dominated with a final score of 33-17, showcasing their strategic brilliance and defensive prowess. This game, the opening Week 1 clash of the 2024 NFL season, was a thrilling display of talent, with standout performances from both teams. In this article, we’ll dive into the key player stats, highlight the game’s defining moments, and break down the numbers in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard Cowboys fan, a Browns supporter, or just love football, this comprehensive guide will give you all the details you need to relive this exciting game.
Game Overview: Cowboys Dominate Browns in Week 1
The Cowboys came into the game with high expectations, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, the NFL’s highest-paid player at the time. The Browns, powered by their star defensive end Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, were ready to defend their home turf. However, it was Dallas’ defense, spearheaded by Micah Parsons, that stole the show. The Cowboys’ relentless pressure on Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson limited Cleveland’s offense, especially in the first half, where the Browns managed less than 50 yards of total offense by the two-minute warning. The final score of 33-17 reflected Dallas’ ability to control both sides of the ball, with key contributions from their offense, defense, and special teams.
Let’s break down the player stats to see who made the biggest impact in this game. We’ll look at passing, rushing, receiving, kicking, and defensive stats for both teams, along with a game summary to put it all in context.
Cowboys Player Stats: Offense, Defense, and Special Teams Shine
Passing Stats: Dak Prescott Leads the Way
Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ star quarterback, delivered a solid performance. He completed 19 of his 32 pass attempts for 179 yards, throwing one touchdown and no interceptions. His steady leadership kept the Cowboys’ offense moving, even against a tough Browns defense led by Myles Garrett. Prescott’s ability to avoid turnovers was crucial in maintaining Dallas’ momentum throughout the game.
Key Passing Stats (Cowboys):
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Dak Prescott: 19/32 completions, 179 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
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Cooper Rush: 1/-1 yards (minimal action, primarily in mop-up duty)
Rushing Stats: Ezekiel Elliott and Team Effort
The Cowboys’ rushing attack was balanced, with multiple players contributing to a total of 102 yards on 25 attempts, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Ezekiel Elliott led the team with 10 carries for 40 yards and one touchdown, including a 9-yard run that showcased his power. Rico Dowdle added 26 yards on 8 carries, while wide receiver CeeDee Lamb chipped in with 25 yards on 3 carries, showing his versatility.
Key Rushing Stats (Cowboys):
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Ezekiel Elliott: 10 carries, 40 yards, 9-yard long, 1 TD
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Rico Dowdle: 8 carries, 26 yards, 10-yard long
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CeeDee Lamb: 3 carries, 25 yards, 12-yard long
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Brandin Cooks: 1 carry, 5 yards
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Deuce Vaughn: 1 carry, 4 yards
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Dak Prescott: 1 carry, 3 yards
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Cooper Rush: 1 carry, -1 yard
Receiving Stats: CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks Stand Out
The Cowboys’ receiving corps was led by CeeDee Lamb, who caught 5 passes for 61 yards, with a long of 34 yards. Brandin Cooks was the touchdown scorer, hauling in 4 receptions for 40 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown catch. Tight end Jake Ferguson added 3 receptions for 15 yards, while other contributors like Hunter Luepke, Jalen Brooks, and Jalen Tolbert helped keep the chains moving.
Key Receiving Stats (Cowboys):
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CeeDee Lamb: 5 receptions, 61 yards, 34-yard long
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Brandin Cooks: 4 receptions, 40 yards, 21-yard long, 1 TD
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Hunter Luepke: 2 receptions, 18 yards
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Jalen Brooks: 1 reception, 18 yards
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Jake Ferguson: 3 receptions, 15 yards
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Jalen Tolbert: 1 reception, 12 yards
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Ezekiel Elliott: 2 receptions, 9 yards
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Rico Dowdle: 1 reception, 6 yards
Kicking Stats: Brandon Aubrey’s Perfect Day
Kicker Brandon Aubrey was flawless, going 4-for-4 on field goals with a long of 57 yards and 3-for-3 on extra points, contributing 15 points to the Cowboys’ total. His accuracy and range were critical in building and maintaining Dallas’ lead. Notably, Aubrey had a 66-yard field goal attempt called back due to a delay-of-game penalty, which would have tied an NFL record.
Key Kicking Stats (Cowboys):
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Brandon Aubrey: 4/4 FG, 100% FG percentage, 57-yard long, 3/3 XP, 15 points
Defensive Stats: Eric Kendricks and Micah Parsons Dominate
The Cowboys’ defense was the story of the game, holding the Browns to just 230 total yards and 3.3 yards per play. Linebacker Eric Kendricks was the statistical MVP, recording 9 tackles (6 solo), 2 sacks, and an interception. Micah Parsons added 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, and 5 quarterback hits, constantly pressuring Watson. DeMarvion Overshown (11 tackles, 1 sack) and DeMarcus Lawrence (5 tackles, 2 sacks) also had impactful performances. The defense as a whole recorded 6 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, and 8 passes defended, overwhelming Cleveland’s offense.
Key Defensive Stats (Cowboys):
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DeMarvion Overshown: 11 tackles (5 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 2 QB hits
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Eric Kendricks: 9 tackles (6 solo), 2 sacks, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 2 QB hits
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DeMarcus Lawrence: 5 tackles (4 solo), 2 sacks, 3 TFL, 4 QB hits
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Trevon Diggs: 5 tackles (4 solo), 2 passes defended
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Jourdan Lewis: 5 tackles (3 solo)
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Caelen Carson: 4 tackles (4 solo), 2 passes defended
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Micah Parsons: 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 5 QB hits
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Malik Hooker: 4 tackles (2 solo)
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Team Total: 73 tackles (46 solo), 6 sacks, 6 TFL, 8 passes defended, 17 QB hits, 1 TD (KaVontae Turpin punt return)
Special Teams: KaVontae Turpin’s Game-Changing Return
KaVontae Turpin made a massive impact on special teams, returning a punt 60 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter, extending Dallas’ lead to 27-3. This play was a turning point, as it deflated the Browns’ hopes of a comeback.
Browns Player Stats: Struggles on Offense, Bright Spots on Defense
Passing Stats: Deshaun Watson Faces Pressure
Deshaun Watson had a tough day against the Cowboys’ defense, completing 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards, with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. The constant pressure from Dallas’ defensive front limited his effectiveness, and the Browns’ passing game struggled to find a rhythm.
Key Passing Stats (Browns):
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Deshaun Watson: 24/45 completions, 169 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Stats: Jerome Ford Leads the Ground Game
The Browns managed 93 yards on 19 rushing attempts, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Jerome Ford was the primary rusher, carrying the ball 12 times for 44 yards and a touchdown. Watson added 39 yards on 5 scrambles, showing his mobility, while Pierre Strong Jr. contributed 10 yards on 2 carries.
Key Rushing Stats (Browns):
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Jerome Ford: 12 carries, 44 yards, 11-yard long, 1 TD
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Deshaun Watson: 5 carries, 39 yards, 16-yard long
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Pierre Strong Jr.: 2 carries, 10 yards, 6-yard long
Receiving Stats: David Njoku and Jerry Jeudy Contribute
Tight end David Njoku led the Browns’ receivers with 4 catches for 44 yards, including a 29-yard reception. Jerry Jeudy scored the team’s only passing touchdown, catching 3 passes for 25 yards. Jerome Ford also contributed as a receiver, hauling in 6 receptions for 25 yards, while Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore had quieter days.
Key Receiving Stats (Browns):
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David Njoku: 4 receptions, 44 yards, 29-yard long
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Jordan Akins: 3 receptions, 27 yards, 13-yard long
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Jerome Ford: 6 receptions, 25 yards, 8-yard long
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Jerry Jeudy: 3 receptions, 25 yards, 15-yard long, 1 TD
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Pierre Strong Jr.: 2 receptions, 20 yards, 20-yard long
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Amari Cooper: 2 receptions, 16 yards, 10-yard long
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Elijah Moore: 3 receptions, 9 yards, 4-yard long
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Cedric Tillman: 1 reception, 3 yards
Kicking Stats: Dustin Hopkins Reliable
Kicker Dustin Hopkins was perfect, going 1-for-1 on field goals with a 51-yard kick and 2-for-2 on extra points, contributing 5 points. His early field goal gave the Browns a brief lead in the first quarter.
Key Kicking Stats (Browns):
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Dustin Hopkins: 1/1 FG, 100% FG percentage, 51-yard long, 2/2 XP, 5 points
Defensive Stats: Myles Garrett and Team Fight Hard
The Browns’ defense, despite the loss, had some bright spots. Juan Thornhill led with 9 tackles (8 solo), while Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah added 9 tackles (6 solo). Myles Garrett recorded 2 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 quarterback hit, showing his disruptive presence. The team totaled 3 sacks and 6 tackles for loss, but they couldn’t stop the Cowboys’ balanced attack.
Key Defensive Stats (Browns):
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Juan Thornhill: 9 tackles (8 solo), 1 TFL
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Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah: 9 tackles (6 solo), 1 pass defended
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Martin Emerson Jr.: 8 tackles (5 solo), 1 pass defended
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Jordan Hicks: 7 tackles (3 solo)
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Grant Delpit: 4 tackles (4 solo)
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Myles Garrett: 2 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QB hit
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Za’Darius Smith: 3 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QB hit
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Team Total: 67 tackles (47 solo), 3 sacks, 6 TFL, 6 passes defended, 4 QB hits
Game Summary: Key Moments That Defined the Outcome
The game started with the Browns taking an early 3-0 lead after a Dustin Hopkins field goal. However, the Cowboys responded quickly, with Brandin Cooks catching a 21-yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott to make it 7-3 by the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Ezekiel Elliott’s 9-yard touchdown run and two field goals from Brandon Aubrey extended Dallas’ lead to 20-3 at halftime. The Browns’ offense struggled, managing less than 50 yards in the first half due to constant pressure from the Cowboys’ defense.
The third quarter saw a game-changing moment when KaVontae Turpin returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown, pushing the score to 27-3. The Browns fought back with a touchdown pass from Watson to Jerry Jeudy, narrowing the gap to 27-10. However, another Aubrey field goal made it 30-10 heading into the fourth quarter. In the final period, the Cowboys added a 46-yard field goal, while the Browns scored a late rushing touchdown by Jerome Ford, making the final score 33-17.
Team Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player StatsComparison: Cowboys Outshine Browns
Here’s a quick look at the team stats to show how the Cowboys outperformed the Browns:
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Total Yards: Cowboys 265, Browns 230
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Yards per Play: Cowboys 4.4, Browns 3.3
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Possession Time: Cowboys 29:06, Browns 30:54
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Third-Down Conversions: Cowboys 4/14 (28.6%), Browns 2/15 (13.3%)
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Fourth-Down Conversions: Cowboys 0/0, Browns 3/5 (60%)
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Penalties: Both teams had 11 penalties, Cowboys 85 yards, Browns 64 yards
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Turnovers: Cowboys 0, Browns 2 (2 INTs)
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Sacks: Cowboys 6, Browns 3
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Red Zone: Cowboys 1/1 TD, Browns 2/2 TD
The Cowboys’ efficiency on offense and dominance on defense, combined with their special teams’ big play, were the difference-makers in this game.
Standout Performers: Who Stole the Show?
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Eric Kendricks (Cowboys): His 9 tackles, 2 sacks, and interception made him the statistical MVP, disrupting the Browns’ offense all game.
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Micah Parsons (Cowboys): With 5 quarterback hits and a sack, Parsons was a nightmare for Watson, setting the tone for Dallas’ defense.
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KaVontae Turpin (Cowboys): His 60-yard punt return touchdown was a game-changer, shifting momentum firmly in Dallas’ favor.
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Dak Prescott (Cowboys): His mistake-free performance (179 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT) kept the offense steady.
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Jerome Ford (Browns): Despite the loss, Ford’s 44 rushing yards, 25 receiving yards, and a touchdown showed his versatility.
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Myles Garrett (Browns): His sack and quarterback hit reminded everyone why he’s a defensive superstar, even in a losing effort.
Historical Context: Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Rivalry
The Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats have a storied history, with Cleveland leading the all-time series 18-15 (14-16 regular season, 1-2 postseason). Since 1960, the teams have met 33 times, with the Browns holding a slight edge in points scored (661 to 631). However, the Cowboys have won 3 of the last 4 matchups, including this 2024 game. The teams’ head-to-head stats show a balanced rivalry, with Dallas slightly outperforming in passing yards (6,000 vs. 5,136) and rushing yards (4,202 vs. 3,641) over the years.
Why This Game Matters
This Week 1 matchup set the tone for both teams’ 2024 seasons. For the Cowboys, the win showcased their potential as a Super Bowl contender, with a balanced offense and a ferocious defense. For the Browns, the loss highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in protecting Watson and generating consistent offense. Both teams made the playoffs in 2023 but fell short, so this game was a chance to start fresh and build momentum.
FAQs About Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats
Who was the statistical MVP of the Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats?
Eric Kendricks stood out with 9 tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception, making him a key factor in Dallas’ defensive dominance.
How did Dak Prescott perform?
Prescott completed 19 of 32 passes for 179 yards, with 1 touchdown and no interceptions, delivering a steady performance.
What was the turning point of the game?
KaVontae Turpin’s 60-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter shifted the momentum, giving Dallas a commanding 27-3 lead.
How did the Browns’ offense struggle?
The Browns managed only 230 total yards, with Watson facing 6 sacks and throwing 2 interceptions, largely due to Dallas’ relentless defensive pressure.
Conclusion: A Game to Remember
The Dallas Cowboys’ 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024, was a statement win, highlighting their defensive strength and offensive balance. Standout performances from Eric Kendricks, Micah Parsons, and KaVontae Turpin, combined with Dak Prescott’s steady play, made this a memorable game for Cowboys fans. For the Browns, players like Jerome Ford and Myles Garrett showed promise, but the team couldn’t overcome Dallas’ dominance. This game was a thrilling start to the 2024 NFL season, and the stats tell the story of a Cowboys team firing on all cylinders. Stay tuned for more exciting NFL action as the season unfolds
