The Dallas Cowboys entered the season with perhaps the biggest game of the weekend. Tom Brady’s commentary debut, Deshaun Watson’s need to perform, and the Cowboys’ reintroduction to the next era of Cowboys football served as massive reasons to tune in on all fronts.
In return, fans were met with a blowout win for the Cowboys over the Cleveland Browns, teasing another successful season.
Here’s a look at three big takeaways for Jerry Jones’ team.
Big D in Big D
The Cowboys lost a big piece of their defense in coordinator Dan Quinn, who became the Commanders’ head coach this offseason. Many predicted a falloff for the unit, but the defense looked as poised as ever on Sunday. Deshaun Watson threw two interceptions, setting the stage for an easy day for Prescott.
However, had the defense struggled, the offense might have needed more flash. Instead, Watson did most of the work, or rather, Mike Zimmer’s new-look defense.
This sets the stage for a potentially easier season for Prescott, who needed to lead the league in touchdown passes a season ago to win the NFC East.
While it is a long season ahead, the Browns were seen as one of the fringe contenders in the AFC. Despite the competition, the Cowboys coasted for most of the contest in thanks to their defense.
Cowboys’ offseason storylines unfounded
All offseason long, analysts, commentators, and fans ran through doom and gloom scenarios for Jerry Jones’ unit. Some believed Prescott and Lamb were set to go their separate ways after the season, potentially leaving Jones with an entirely new set of issues next season.
Instead, Prescott and Lamb look to be in great shape. At one point, reports claimed Lamb would miss time early this season. Instead, he was present in the contest.
Even Eric Kendricks, who was viewed by some to be Jones’ only reasonable move this offseason, produced immediately. Kendricks logged an interception, proving doubters wrong on many levels.
For the moment, Jones can quietly slide on his sunglasses and kick his feet up.
Ezekiel Elliott still has some burst in his step
Ezekiel Elliott rushed ten times for 40 yards and a touchdown. While he didn’t take over the game, he did show the ability to make some defenders miss tackles. He also showed the ability to knock over others. While he spent last season as a backup, it appears he still has some gas in the tank this year.
It is unclear how long it will last, but the Dallas Cowboys have a decent option as their top running back at least in the early going of the season. In comparison, Derrick Henry only earned 3.5 yards per carry in his Week 1 contest, illustrating how Elliott stacks up against other older top backs.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
