The Dallas Cowboys officially began the 2024 regular season with a decisive 33-17 win over the Cleveland Browns on the road, providing a glimpse into how dominant certain aspects of the team could be throughout the year.
Dallas traveled to Cleveland to take on the Browns in a game that many expected would be close throughout, but the Cowboys managed to take control early in the game and never looked back as they cruised to victory.
The Cowboys winning regular season games should come as no surprise considering they went 12-5 and won the division in 2023, but starting the season with a commanding victory against a team expected to make the playoffs should provide even more hope for Cowboys fans this season.
Here are two major takeaways from the Cowboys’ explosive win against Cleveland:
Domination In The Trenches
The Cowboys began the most recent offseason with legitimate concerns about both the offensive and defensive lines due to a combination of injuries and free-agent signings.
However, the team seemingly dismissed these concerns from the jump as they controlled both portions of the game against the Browns.
Cleveland was one of the most effective teams in the NFL against the run during the 2023 season, yet the Cowboys were able to pick up a significant number of yards on the ground as running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle combined for 18 rushing attempts and 66 yards with a touchdown.
Maintaining a steady run game will help the Cowboys open up other options in the offense, which will help them remain one of the most explosive teams in the league.
Another cause of concern entering this season came along the offensive line with rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton, who started his NFL career against reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.
Despite being tasked with one of the most difficult assignments in the league during his first career start, Guyton allowed just four pressures and one sack across 13 matchups with Garrett, per Brandon Loree.
While these are not the statistics of a player who is among the top at his position, it is more than impressive from a rookie being asked to slow down the best defender in football.
By controlling the trenches on both sides of the ball, Dallas will be able to impose their will on opposing teams and dominate games from the start.
Game-Changing Special Teams Make The Difference
The Cowboys’ special teams have been one of the best in the NFL over the past few seasons but have never truly stood out from the other teams in the league.
This season could prove different as the Cowboys’ special teams helped win the first game of the year, securing a total of 19 points through field goals and touchdowns.
Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey once again demonstrated his value, going perfect on all four of his field goals, including two makes from 50 or more yards.
Aubrey also walked out at the end of the first half and nailed a 66-yard field goal attempt, but the kick was called back due to a delay of game and the five-yard penalty forced the Cowboys to end the half without the points.
Although Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy opted against letting Aubrey attempt the 71-yard field goal, he seemingly can at least make those coaching decisions difficult as his 66-yard attempt was clear of the crossbar by more than a few yards.
Aubrey’s ability to make incredibly deep field goals is one of the best advantages any team can have, as the Cowboys are now a threat to put up points as soon as they cross into hostile territory.
KaVontae Turpin, who has shown himself to be one of the best return men in the league, also stepped up and provided the Cowboys with a spark in the game.
Turpin managed to secure the first touchdown of his career during a punt return early in the third quarter, which helped extend the Cowboys’ lead to 27-3 and effectively win them the game before the second half really got going.
This punt return involved impressive blocking from every player on special teams, which allowed Turpin to read his blockers before bouncing outside into the open space.
The Cowboys will now look ahead to a Week 2 home matchup against the New Orleans Saints, where each team will look to begin their season 2-0 with a win.
New Orleans is coming off the most lopsided victory of any NFL team in Week 1, as they defeated the Carolina Panthers 47-10 at home.