The Dallas Cowboys were firing on all cylinders when they faced the Cleveland Browns, on Sunday. The Cowboys took control early and didn't let up until they had a 33-17 win against a pretty solid Browns team.
We all knew the Cowboys defense was going to be a tough unit to do much against, but the offense is what was so surprising with the way they played. The offense didn't exactly light things up in the preseason. The starters also didn't play so that is kind of understandable but even not playing there were still a lot of questions coming into week one of the season.
The Cowboys didn't really make any moves in free agency and didn't pick up any of the bigger named players in the draft. They didn't get their top wide receiver, Ceedee Lamb, signed until just a couple weeks ago and quarterback, Dak Prescott finally got his contract just hours before the game. The team is still missing a clear RB1 that can carry a solid workload and be productive.
All that didn't matter on Sunday though when the starting lineup was finally on the field together. This offense ran like a unit that had been playing together this entire time.
Prescott had a solid game even though he hadn't seen any real speed action since last season. Prescott completed 19 of 32 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown. His only downside was the three sacks but hopefully that will fix itself the more this revamped offensive line gets to flowing together.
Lamb led the way for the Cowboys receivers with five receptions for 61 yards. It was Brandin Cooks that found the endzone though. Cooks ended up leaving the game early but not before he put up four receptions for 40 yards and a touchodwn.
Cowboys running game was pretty lacking once again but that was kind of expected without a solid guy to lean on.
Ezekiel Elliot was somewhat productive from the RB1 position that he was gifted this week. Zeke carried the ball 10 times and bullied his way in for a touchdown. Rico Dowdle had eight carries but proved ineffective with only 26 yards. Lamb also was credited for three carries for 25 yards.
Hopefully Dalvin Cook will be up to speed with the offense this week and ready to go for week two of the season. Cook has to be better than what is out there now. It can't get any worse, can it?
The brightest spots of the game once again came from the Cowboys defense and special teams. The Cowboys finished the game with six total sacks, 17 quarterback hits and eight defended passes. It seemed like everyone the Cowboys sent out against the Browns offense made a play.
Even cornerback Stefon Diggs grabbed himself an interception in his first game back from major injury. Diggs also had five total tackles and two defended passes.
Linebacker Eric Kendricks had the other interception for the Cowboys defense. Kendricks also had nine total tackles and two sacks.
Second year linebacker DeMarvion Overshown made a statement in his first official game with the Cowboys after missing his entire rookie season. Overshown finished the game with 11 total tackles and a sack.
Veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence managed to sack Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson twice. Defensive all-everything Micah Parsons finished the game with a sack, four total tackles, five quarterback hits and a defended pass.
There's just no stopping Lawrence and Parsons with other guys that are now making a difference. When Diggs is healthy this is a shutdown defense across the field. Once cornerback Daron Bland comes back from his injury things will get even harder for offenses to move the ball or score.
The Cowboys special teams were another shining spot that us fans just are not used to seeing. Wide receiver and returner KaVontae Turpin took a punt all the way to the house for the Cowboys third touchdown on the day.
The rest of the scoring was done by kicker, Brandon "Mr Automatic" Aubrey and his crazy insane leg. Aubrey nailed all four of his field goals. He had one taken off the board that was good from 67 due to a penalty. The Cowboys could've lined up and tried to kick from 71 but instead let the clock run out on the half.
The Cowboys face the New Orleans Saints in week two at home. The Saints are always a touch matchup and used to be a thorn in the Cowboys side at one point. This game shouldn't be any different considering the way the Saints played during their week one 47-17 blowout win against divisional rivals Carolina Panthers.
As long as the Cowboys play like they did during week one, they should be able to walk away with another win. The offense really needs to figure out the running game though.
It would be nice to have that running back that averages 100 plus yards a game again. Having a running back that can rack up yards eats the clock up and keeps the other team's offense off the field. Hopefully Cook is that running back the Cowboys haven't seen in quiet a while now.
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