Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats

Hey there, football fans! If you’re anything like me, the start of the NFL season is pure excitement. The smell of fresh-cut grass, the roar of the crowd, and those nail-biting moments that keep you on the edge of your seat—nothing beats it. On September 8, 2024, the Dallas Cowboys took on the Cleveland Browns in a highly anticipated Week 1 matchup at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. This game wasn’t just about the score; it was a showcase of star players stepping up, defenses dominating, and a few surprises along the way. If you’re searching for Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll break it all down in a way that’s easy to follow, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just dipping your toes into NFL waters. We’ll look at the key performances, use simple tables for the numbers, and chat about what it all means in a casual, human tone. Let’s kick off!

The Build-Up: Why This Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Mattered So Much

Before we dive into the Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats, let’s set the scene. Both teams entered the 2024 season with high expectations but some baggage from last year. The Cowboys, fresh off a 12-5 regular season, were looking to shake off their Wild Card playoff exit and finally chase that elusive Super Bowl under coach Mike McCarthy. Quarterback Dak Prescott had just inked a massive four-year, $240 million extension, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at $60 million per season. Talk about pressure! Meanwhile, the Browns were coming off an 11-6 campaign and a playoff loss, but they boasted one of the league’s top defenses led by Myles Garrett. Deshaun Watson was returning from a shoulder injury that sidelined him since November 2023, and without star running back Nick Chubb (still recovering from a knee injury), they were relying on Jerome Ford to carry the load.

The game kicked off at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX, with Tom Brady making his broadcasting debut alongside Kevin Burkhardt. The Browns were slight favorites at -2.5 points, and the over/under was set at 42. But as we now know, the Cowboys pulled off a convincing 33-17 victory, improving to 1-0 while dropping the Browns to 0-1. This win was huge for Dallas, especially on the road against a tough AFC North defense. It highlighted how the Cowboys’ offense could gel quickly despite new starters on the line, and their defense—now under coordinator Mike Zimmer—forced turnovers like it was old times. For Cleveland, it was a wake-up call, as Watson struggled mightily. Now, let’s get to the meat of it: those Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns match player stats that tell the real story.

Overall Team Stats: Cowboys Dominate on Both Sides

When you look at the big picture, the stats paint a clear image of why the Cowboys won. Dallas controlled the ball for 29:06 compared to Cleveland’s 30:54, but they made their possessions count more efficiently. The Cowboys racked up 265 total yards on 60 plays (4.4 yards per play), while the Browns managed just 230 yards on 70 plays (3.3 yards per play). Turnovers were the killer—Cleveland coughed up two interceptions, leading to Dallas points, and neither team lost fumbles.

On third downs, Dallas converted 4 of 14 (28.6%), edging out Cleveland’s 2 of 15 (13.3%). Fourth downs were a mixed bag, with the Browns going 3 of 5 (60%) in desperate comeback attempts late in the game. Penalties hurt both sides equally, with 11 for 85 yards on Dallas and 11 for 64 on Cleveland. Red zone efficiency favored the Cowboys too: They scored 1 touchdown on 1 attempt, while Cleveland got 2 TDs on 2 tries but couldn’t capitalize earlier.

Breaking it down further:

Passing Stats Overview

Dallas leaned on the pass but kept it balanced, while Cleveland’s air attack was stifled.

The Cowboys’ efficiency stands out—fewer attempts but better average and no picks. Cleveland’s six sacks allowed show how the Dallas pass rush, led by Micah Parsons, disrupted everything.

Rushing Stats Overview

Ground game was key for both, but neither exploded. Dallas’s Ezekiel Elliott found paydirt, while Jerome Ford kept the Browns alive late.

Dallas’s higher average per rush helped them control the clock in crucial moments.

These team numbers set the stage for individual heroics. Now, let’s spotlight the players who made the Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns match player stats so memorable.

Standout Offensive Performers: Who Lit Up the Field?

Offense wins games, right? Well, in this one, the Cowboys’ attack clicked just enough to pull ahead, while the Browns’ sputtered until garbage time. Starting with the quarterbacks, because let’s face it, they’re the heartbeat of any NFL matchup.

Quarterback Stats: Prescott Shines, Watson Struggles

Dak Prescott didn’t light up the stat sheet with gaudy numbers, but he was mistake-free and delivered when it counted. Coming off his contract signing, he completed 19 of 32 passes for 137 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. His passer rating was a solid 85.3, and he added 15 rushing yards on three carries. That TD pass to Brandin Cooks in the first quarter—a beautiful loft over the defense—was a highlight, showing Prescott’s touch on a 34-yard completion to CeeDee Lamb earlier in the drive.

On the other side, Deshaun Watson’s return was rough. In his first game since the injury, he went 24 of 45 for 169 yards, one TD, and two costly picks. His rating dipped to 51.1, and he took six sacks for a loss of 41 yards. Watson scrambled for 17 yards on five carries, including key fourth-down conversions late, but overthrows and holding the ball too long plagued him. The Browns’ new offense under coordinator Kevin Stefanski just didn’t click, as Dallas blanketed receivers like Amari Cooper.

Here’s a quick comparison table for the QBs in this Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns match player stats breakdown:

Prescott’s clean game was huge—Dallas can’t afford turnovers with their Super Bowl window open.

Running Back Stats: Elliott and Ford Deliver Touchdowns

Ezekiel Elliott, back with the Cowboys after a stint in New England, reminded everyone why he’s a two-time rushing champ. He carried 10 times for 40 yards, averaging 4.0 per tote, and scored the game’s first rushing TD on a 3-yard burst in the second quarter, putting Dallas up 14-3. His vision and power were on display, especially in short-yardage situations.

Jerome Ford stepped up big for Cleveland without Chubb, rushing 12 times for 44 yards (3.7 avg) and adding a 2-yard TD run in the fourth quarter during a furious comeback attempt. He also caught three passes for 10 yards, showing versatility. But the Browns’ line couldn’t create holes early, limiting his impact.

Rico Dowdle chipped in for Dallas with five carries for 33 yards (6.6 avg), including a long of 14. For Cleveland, Pierre Strong Jr. had 12 carries for 30 yards and caught two passes for 25.

Table for top rushers:

Elliott’s TD was a game-changer, but Dowdle’s efficiency hints at a shared backfield that could boost Dallas’s run game all season.

Receiving Stats: Lamb Leads, Njoku Impresses Before Injury

CeeDee Lamb, fresh off his own $136 million extension, was the Cowboys’ go-to guy despite modest numbers. He hauled in five catches for 61 yards, including that crucial 34-yard grab. His route-running drew coverage away, opening things up for others. Brandin Cooks had a big day with four receptions for 40 yards and his first TD of the season—a contested grab in the end zone. Jake Ferguson added three catches for 19 yards before leaving with a knee injury (he’s expected to be fine after imaging).

For the Browns, David Njoku was electric before an ankle sprain sidelined him in the third quarter. He caught four passes for 44 yards, including a 29-yard bomb. Jerry Jeudy scored Cleveland’s lone passing TD on a 6-yard slant from Watson. Amari Cooper, the veteran star, had a quiet four catches for 20 yards—below his usual standard. Elijah Moore added three for 30 yards.

Top receivers table for Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns match player stats:

Lamb’s yards after catch were key, but Njoku’s injury could hurt Cleveland moving forward. These stats show how Dallas spread the ball effectively.

Defensive Stars: Parsons and the Cowboys’ Pass Rush Steal the Show

Defense travels, and boy, did the Cowboys’ unit show up. They sacked Watson six times, intercepted him twice, and held Cleveland to just 3 points at halftime. Cleveland’s defense was solid early, forcing a delay-of-game penalty that wiped out a potential record-tying 66-yard field goal by Brandon Aubrey, but they tired late.

Key Defensive Stats: Sacks, Tackles, and Turnovers

Micah Parsons was a beast, notching 1.5 sacks, three tackles, and constant pressure that rattled Watson. Eric Kendricks, the new linebacker addition, had two sacks and an interception (returned 8 yards), earning Tom Brady’s “LFG! Player of the Game” nod. Trevon Diggs sealed a late pick, returning it 1 yard. DeMarvion Overshown added a sack, and DaRon Bland contributed with tackles.

For the Browns, Myles Garrett had one sack and three tackles but couldn’t disrupt Prescott enough (only three sacks on him). Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah led with eight tackles, while Denzel Ward had seven but allowed key receptions. The secondary struggled with coverage, leading to those picks.

Top defenders table:

Parsons’ presence changed the game—his speed off the edge forced Watson into bad decisions. Kendricks’ interceptions were pivotal, turning potential Browns drives into Dallas scores.

Special Teams and Miscellaneous Stats: The Unsung Heroes

Don’t sleep on special teams in the Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns match player stats. KaVontae Turpin’s 60-yard punt return TD in the third quarter was a back-breaker, putting Dallas up 27-3. Brandon Aubrey was perfect, nailing field goals from 57, 50, 46, and 40 yards—his leg is a weapon. For Cleveland, Dustin Hopkins hit a 51-yard FG early but missed chances later.

Punting-wise, Cleveland’s Corliss Waitman averaged 48.5 yards on three punts, but Turpin’s return overshadowed it. No major kickoff returns stood out.

Injuries impacted both: Cowboys’ TE Jake Ferguson (knee) and Browns’ TE David Njoku (ankle), plus LBs Tony Fields II and Mohamoud Diabate for Cleveland. These could linger into Week 2.

What the Stats Tell Us: Key Takeaways from Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats

Wrapping up this deep dive into Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats, a few things jump out. First, Dak Prescott’s poise under pressure post-contract was impressive—he didn’t force plays, and that TD to Cooks showed his arm talent. The running game, led by Elliott’s gritty TD, balanced things out, while the defense’s six sacks and two picks were game-sealers. For the Browns, Watson’s rust was evident; those interceptions to Kendricks and Diggs were costly, and without Njoku fully healthy, their passing game lacks punch.