The Dallas Cowboys began the day by signing their quarterback Dak Prescott to a four-year, $240 million extension to make him the highest-paid player in NFL history, and they finished it by eviscerating the Browns, 33-17, on Sunday afternoon in Cleveland.
Here are some takeaways from the game:
Cowboys' offense has strong first-half, struggles in the second:
Prescott and the second-highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, CeeDee Lamb, had strong first halves, including some strong catches and runs by Lamb and a beautiful touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks on a blitz.
The offense started hot, scoring two touchdowns midway through the second quarter, but the offense was kept in check by a stout Browns defense the rest of the way.
Speaking of defense...
Cowboys defense destroys Browns:
The Browns were without starting tackles Jack Conklin and Jed Wills, and Cowboys' pass rusher Micah Parsons and the rest of the defensive line took full advantage, wreaking havoc on Cleveland's offensive line and giving quarterback Deshaun Watson nightmares all afternoon.
Parsons had one sack and the defensive line had a whopping 26 pressures and six total sacks. Parsons also deflected one of Watson's passes, which led to an interception by linebacker Eric Kendricks.
Speaking of Kendricks, his Cowboys' debut also included two sacks.
The Cowboys also intercepted Watson twice on the day.
Aubrey denied history, but nails as usual:
In the first half's final seconds, Mike McCarthy sent Brandon Aubrey out onto the field to attempt a 66-yard field goal. Aubrey nailed it, but the Cowboys were flagged for delay of game.
McCarthy and special teams coach John Fassel were furious with officials, claiming the play clock should have re-started after Jalen Tolbert ran out of bounds after making a 12-yard catch with four seconds remaining in the second quarter.
Dallas also had two timeouts remaining in the half and could have used one to prevent themselves from losing five yards, but alas, no timeout was called and no history was made, as the field goal would have tied Ravens kicker Justin Tucker for the longest made kick in NFL history.
Aubrey did make kicks from 40, 46, 50 and 57 yards.
Jake Ferguson suffers knee injury:
Tight end Jake Ferguson will reportedly undergo an MRI on his left knee after he was injured in the third quarter and never returned.
Trevon Diggs collects interception in first game back from ACL injury:
Turpin takes one to the house:
KaVontae Turpin nearly had a touchdown on special teams last year but couldn't quite break through. However, it didn't take him long to break through this time, as Turpin took a punt return 60 yards the other way for a touchdown.