The Cowboys began their 2024 season on the road against the rival Cleveland Browns. With one of the league’s most well-rounded defensive squads, Dallas was going to struggle offensively. Cleveland’s offense, meanwhile, was missing both starting tackles, providing Dallas’ front seven with an excellent opportunity to apply pressure on the Browns’ passing and running game. And they did. Dallas never appeared to click on offensively, but their defense was as dominant as it has been in recent years.
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.
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Eric Kendricks gets in on the sack party!pic.twitter.com/dzrRrEwgE5
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) September 8, 2024
Cleveland struggled to get going, scoring only 10 points and gaining less than 200 yards before a long garbage-time drive with seven minutes left. Dallas applied pressure on quarterback Deshaun Watson all day, sacking him six times.
He was let go twice. Eric Kendricks, a savvy veteran and new Mike linebacker, led this performance. Kendricks had already recorded four of his nine tackles before the end of the first quarter, indicating a strong start. Micah Parsons intercepted a Deshaun Watson ball in the second quarter, resulting in a tip drill that ended in the veteran’s hands.
Kendrick would come and go in the second half due to cramping from dehydration, but he did record his second sack of the game before taking a well-deserved seat on the sideline.