The Cleveland Browns hosted the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, eventually falling at home 33-17. Regardless, the game's focus shifted away from the Browns and onto Dallas as the Cowboys front office made quarterback Dak Prescott the highest-paid player in NFL history ahead of kickoff.
Cleveland had plenty to prove in the matchup, but their own quarterback was slow to get out of the gate. Deshaun Watson struggled in the first half of the Week 1 matchup and couldn't figure out the Cowboys' defense. Even when he had a wide-open wide receiver, he skipped the ball to him.
The Dallas defense has been one of the best units in the league in recent years, so some struggles are expected. Still, while the Cowboys' offense looks like it's in midseason form, Watson and the Browns struggled throughout the contest.
Here's a look at how the 28-year-old quarterback fared in his opening matchup of the 2024 season.
Deshaun Watson stats today
| Stat | Total |
| Pass Completions | 24 |
| Pass Attempts | 45 |
| Yards | 169 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
After a dismal first half, where he accumulated only 36 yards on seven completions, Watson picked up steam after the break. He ended up throwing 24-for-45 for 169 yards and adding a touchdown despite the loss.
Watson was only sacked once for a five yard loss in the opening two quarters, but the Dallas defensive line created plenty of pressure in the backfield. His longest completion of the first half was six yards.
This is Deshaun Watson's passing chart from the first half. pic.twitter.com/r7Gee2HQDV
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) September 8, 2024
The quarterback was sacked again his first drive into the second half before Dallas returned a punt for a touchdown to extend its lead. However, he redeemed himself on the next drive with his first touchdown pass of the game—a 6-yard dart to Jerry Jeudy toward the right sideline.
.@JerryJeudy with his first TD in a Browns uni!!
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 8, 2024
📺: #DALvsCLE on @NFLonFOX and NFL+ pic.twitter.com/OYY5DZWWfs
Unfortunately, the rest of the half didn't go as well for Watson, who went three-and-out and turned it over on downs twice before throwing his second interception of the game at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Who is Deshaun Watson's Backup?
Joe Flacco was the savior of the Browns' offense in 2023 when Watson was sidelined with an injury. He wasn't re-signed in free agency but is now with the Tennessee Titans.
To replace him, Cleveland brought in free agent Jameis Winston, who has already made headlines for his solid preseason play and creative, motivational speeches that have resonated with the team.
