The Browns dropped their season opener 33-17 to the Cowboys in a disappointing fashion, one filled with penalties and struggles to create a flow on offense. Cleveland also gave up a touchdown on a punt return and dealt with some inconsistency defensively.
"That's not good enough to win in this game versus a good football team," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "Really disappointed in our performance, too sloppy. Minus two in the turnover battle, gave up a punt return. Offensively, felt like we were behind the chains the vast majority of the game, which is, again, not good enough and not how we need to play in order to win football games."
Here are three main takeaways from the season opener.
Browns struggle to find offensive rhythm
The Browns could not create an offensive flow throughout their first game with QB Deshaun Watson at the helm of the offense. They ended their opening offensive drive with a 51-yard field goal from K Dustin Hopkins.
Yet, after their opening offensive drive, the Browns had four straight three-and-outs. They had seven total possessions where they were forced to punt.
Watson was sacked six times and hit a total of 17 times over the course of the game. He also threw two interceptions – one in the second quarter when his pass was tipped by LB Micah Parsons and intercepted by LC Eric Kendricks, and a second interception in the fourth quarter on a pass intended for WR Elijah Moore but was caught by CB Trevon Diggs.
Watson finished the game completing 24 of 45 passing attempts for 169 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Stefanski said that Watson took too many hits today and they have to do a better job of protecting the quarterback.
"I think there's things that I know we can do better, things that right away you saw that was not how we wanted to do it," Stefanski said. "But we had plenty of time to prepare, just did not get it done today."
The Browns also turned the ball over on downs during the third quarter and once again at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
The Browns found the endzone twice in the second half, beginning with their first touchdown of the season in the third quarter when Watson connected with WR Jerry Jeudy for a 6-yard touchdown pass. On that possession, the Browns ran 12 plays for 75 yards to set up the touchdown. It was also Jeudy's first touchdown as a member of the Browns. They closed the game out with a 2-yard touchdown run from RB Jerome Ford late in the fourth quarter.
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 with a defensive spark early, but faltered at moments
The Browns defensive effort started off with a bang as DT Dalvin Tomlinson sacked Cowboys QB Dak Prescott on their opening drive. Then, DE Myles Garrett added to the sack total as he broke through the offensive line and sacked Prescott at the beginning of the second quarter.
Cleveland forced Dallas punt three times through the first half. The defense also only gave up one touchdown in the first quarter. They forced the Cowboys into four field goal situations – all of which K Brandon Aubrey converted – but kept Dallas from finding the end zone. Dallas' second touchdown of the game came off of a punt return that the Cowboys returned for 60 yards.
The Browns limited Prescott to completing 19 of 32 passing attempts for 179 passing yards and one touchdown.
"With them getting on the ball out a bit quicker, us having to speed up our time on the ball and communication," Garrett said. "And I don't think we were communicating well enough and quick enough to keep up with them at their pace. We settled in a bit. We have to get more takeaways. That was an end game. They got takeaways and we didn't, and they kept on chipping away even when they weren't scoring touchdowns or getting more field goals and increasing that lead."
The Cowboys benefited from solid field position, scoring three field goals off of two turnovers on downs and an interception. Stefanski said there were positive elements from the defensive's performance, and other areas where they can look to improve in Week 2.
"I thought we played good defense especially in that second half," Stefanski said. "There were definitely things that I know we can do better, but some opportunities in the pass game and opportunities in the run game where we can try and get them off the field."
Check out photos of players warming up for a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Machine Gun Kelly before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The Stadium before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The Stadium before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The Stadium before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The Stadium before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The Stadium before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The Stadium before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The Stadium before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The Stadium before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The Stadium before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The Stadium before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jaelon Darden (16) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jaelon Darden (16) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety D'Anthony Bell (37) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Juan Thornhill (1) before a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Issues with penalties
The Browns had 11 total penalties through the game for a loss of 64 yards, including multiple illegal formation penalties on the offense. They had seven total offensive penalties. Stefanski said those types of penalties are disappointing because they do not practice in that manner and have to find a way to fix those mistakes.
G Wyatt Teller believes that while it was the first week of the regular season, he knows they offensive line has to be better in preventing those types of penalties because it creates situations where the offense has to play from behind the sticks.
"We had to be smart about that and we weren't," Teller said. "Offsides, false starts, stuff like that we have to be better at. A lot of stuff that, it's those first game jitters, but we played, 80-90 percent of us have played in preseason. We've gotten those jitters out, those pregame stuff but, we have to execute better. We have to be smarter and play better. "
