By Alex Al-Kazzaz
DeShaun Watson & the Cleveland Browns were seemingly a threat going into their Week 1 game against Dak Prescott & the Dallas Cowboys. But the Cowboys entered the Dawg Pound and engaged in a hostile takeover. Watson and the Browns fell flat while Dallas managed to take advantage. A final score of 33-17, but it only gets worse for the Browns; there are calls for J. Winston to take over under center, but what's even worse? Watson has been under contract for three more years and has a large, guaranteed, contractual income.
What's the bigger story of this game? Tom Brady's broadcasting debut? What about Prescott getting his second massive payday from Dallas? It's done. Prescott is now the highest-paid player in NFL history. A four-year extension worth $240 million, and an $80 million signing bonus. $60 million annual salary for Prescott. And $231 million of that money...GUARANTEED. Robert Griffin III is fully in favor of this. Randy Moss is pleased with the outcome, as well.
Brady's first broadcast with Fox Sports has mixed reactions on social media. Many are praising, many are saying he did fine, and many are saying he was terrible. No doubt, Brady has a few awkward moments, and a few slip-ups, but who wouldn't on their first broadcast on national TV? The man's got the sweetest broadcast deal ever; $375 million. He'll get better.
Dallas got the ball to start the game and went nowhere. Cleveland would drive down the field and take a three-point lead only for Dallas to respond immediately with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Prescott to Brandin Cooks courtesy of a massive blunder by the Cleveland secondary. At that point, the Browns never regained control as their offense repeatedly malfunctioned. Dallas had offensive issues of their own though they led 20-3 at the half.
Before the end of the first half, Dallas did force a turnover but only got a field goal. Brandon Aubrey's 57-yard kick was entertaining. Sadly, he had a 66-yard field goal erased because of a penalty. Penalties were an issue for Dallas in this one, but Cleveland's foul habits didn't grant the Browns much if anything. Mike McCarthy faced criticism for not allowing Aubrey to try his luck with a 71-yard FG attempt. That was a judgment call on McCarthy's part.
CeeDee Lamb made a few remarkable catches, Ezekiel Elliott found the endzone, KaVontae Turpin's 60-yard punt return for a touchdown was Dallas' first since 2017, and Trevon Diggs had an interception in his first game back from injury. A lot of positive moments. One bad moment is the injury to TE Jake Ferguson. He's set to undergo an MRI though it's already been said that the injury is not serious, but he could miss at least two weeks. Prescott only had 179 yards of passing, going 19-for-32 and one touchdown. Not the best stats, but it was enough for the win. The defense led the charge.
Dallas plays their first home against the New Orleans Saints this Sunday. The Saints are coming off a 47-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. Derek Carr had no problems whatsoever. It was a walk in the park for Carr & Company.
New Orleans is always a threat to the Cowboys, so this Sunday will NOT be a walk in the park for either team, especially Dallas. Dallas' offense to step it up keep their foot on the gas pedal, and avoid any conservative offensive-style maneuvers. The offense needs to be and stay alive. Same with defense.
Now that Dallas has wrapped it up with the Browns, they need to prepare for the Saints. So practice this week will be a high priority.
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