The Browns dropped their first game of the season Sunday, falling 33-17 to the Cowboys.
The Cleveland offense struggled to move the ball throughout the game. QB Deshaun Watson had two interceptions, while the Browns were forced to punt the ball seven times and turned it over on downs twice.
The Browns defense was effective at times in stifling QB Dak Prescott and the Dallas offense, sacking the quarterback three times. However, Dallas was able to get into scoring position throughout the game, scoring two touchdowns and four field goals in addition to returning a punt for a touchdown.
Key moments
The Browns defense had an electrifying start to the season. On first down, DT Dalvin Tomlinson surged through the Cowboys offensive line and knocked down Prescott for a sack. The defense held the Cowboys to a three-and-out, and WR Jaelon Darden's 28-yard punt return set the Browns offense up in Cowboys territory.
The Browns offense was set up to go for it on fourth-and-1, but a false start penalty called against T Dawand Jones forced them to settle for a 51-yard field goal, which K Dustin Hopkins drilled to score the first points of the Browns 2024 season.
The Browns were held to three points for the entire first half, going three-and-out or turning the ball over on their six other first half drives.
The Cowboys got on the scoreboard on their second possession, as WR Brandin Cooks ran by S Juan Thornhill and connected with Prescott for a 21-yard touchdown. WR CeeDee Lamb opened the offense up with an impressive catch over CB Denzel Ward for a 34-yard gain to set up the Cowboys near the Browns red zone.
DE Myles Garrett made a splash play to start the second quarter, forcing Prescott to fumble the ball for a 7-yard strip sack. After Thornhill made a booming open field tackle on TE Jake Ferguson, the Cowboys were forced to punt.
After the Browns and Cowboys combined for five straight punts, Dallas put together a 78-yard drive, capped off by a 3-yard run from RB Ezekiel Elliott to build on the Cowboys' lead.
With just over two minutes remaining in the first half, Watson's pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage by Parsons and intercepted by LB Eric Kendricks to set the Cowboys up for a 40-yard field goal before the end of the half.
Cleveland started the second half with the ball but was forced to punt after DeMarcus Lawrence sacked Watson for a loss of 13 yards. KaVontae Turpin returned the punt 60 yards for a touchdown.
Cleveland found the end zone on the following possession, driving 75 yards downfield. Watson completed 7 of his 11 passing attempts, capped off with a 6-yard touchdown pass to WR Jerry Jeudy, who scored his first touchdown as a Cleveland Brown. The touchdown drive ended a streak of seven possessions to either end in a punt or a turnover.
The Cowboys offense continued to put together scoring drives, as Aubrey connected on two more field goals in the second half – both off of turnovers on downs from the Cleveland offense.
Cleveland put together a strong drive early in the fourth quarter, but Watson was intercepted by CB Trevon Diggs. WR Elijah Moore reached for the pass, tipped the ball and Diggs scooped it up for Watson's second interception of the day.
On the Browns final drive, RB Jerome Ford found the end zone on a 2-yard run, capping off a 64-yard drive. During the possession, Lawrence sacked Watson, who fumbled the ball. LG Joel Bitonio dove on the loose ball to save the drive and set the offense up for the scoring opportunity.
Check out photos of the Browns against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jaelon Darden (16) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) and Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) and Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Juan Thornhill (1) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Ephraim Banda during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) and Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety D'Anthony Bell (37) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) and Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Tony Fields II (42) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) and Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Long snapper Charley Hughlett (47) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) and Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) and Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) and Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) and Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The Running back Jerome Ford (34) and Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Browns players of the game
Myles Garrett: The reigning Defensive Player of the Year picked up where he left off last season, finishing with a sack and two total tackles. He led a pass rush that had several pressures on Prescott, forcing the quarterback to make errant throws at times throughout the game. Garrett nearly sacked Prescott to end the first half, causing Prescott to throw an incompletion on a Hail Mary attempt before halftime.
Denzel Ward: Faced with the difficult task of covering Lamb for much of the game, Ward had three pass breakups in Sunday's game. Ward nearly intercepted Prescott in the first quarter, breaking up a deep pass intended for Lamb.
What this means
The Browns fall to 0-1 on the season after struggling to keep up with the Cowboys. Across the division, the Steelers are the only team exiting Week 1 with a win, defeating the Atlanta Falcons, 18-10, on Sunday. Baltimore lost to the Chiefs on Thursday and Cincinnati lost to the Patriots.
What's next?
The Browns will travel to Jacksonville, where they will take on the Jaguars on next Sunday at 1 p.m. Jacksonville lost 20-17 to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
