The Cowboys opened their 2024 season on the road against an angsty Cleveland Browns team. Facing one of the most well-rounded defensive units in the league, Dallas was bound to struggle offensively. Cleveland’s offense was down both their starting tackles though, giving the front seven of Dallas a great opportunity to put pressure on the passing and running game of the Browns. And that they did.
Dallas never seemed to get clicking on offense, but the defense was as dominant as has been seen in recent times. Cleveland couldn’t get going at all, mustering only 10 points and under 200 total yards before a lengthy garbage-time drive with seven minutes remaining. Dallas put pressure on QB Deshaun Watson all day sacking him six times and picking him off twice. Spearheading this performance was new mike linebacker and savvy veteran Eric Kendricks.
Kendricks already racked up four of his nine tackles by the end of the first quarter, starting off hot. In the second quarter, Micah Parsons got his hands on a Deshaun Watson pass, starting a tip drill which ended in the hands of the veteran.
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Kendrick would come and go in the second half as he dealt with some cramping issues due to dehydration but notched his second sack of the game before taking a well-deserved seat on the bench.
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Finishing with an impressive stat line of nine tackles, two sacks and a pick, it’s clear Kendricks feels back at home under new DC Mike Zimmer. His ability to not only to make plays but lead his teammates cannot be understated.