Cowboys, Browns share Week 1 spotlight with Tom Brady as seven-time champion QB makes his TV analyst debut

CLEVELAND — Three big-name quarterbacks will be in the national spotlight Sunday in a star-studded season opener between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns.

Only two of them will be taking photos.

As Dak Prescott and Deshaun Watson execute plays that include the dropback, cutback and pass, kicking off key seasons for both quarterbacks, their every move will be analyzed by seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, who will be a Fox analyst covering the game.

Brady’s much-hyped appearance, which had been in the works since before he announced his second retirement, adds another layer to a Week 1 game packed with juicy storylines.

“I’m sure he’ll do a great job,” Browns Pro Bowl quarterback Joel Bitonio said. “He’s done a great job in almost every other area he’s been involved in. That’s cool.”

Brady has poured himself into the preparation for this interview with the same passion that he brought to throwing nearly 90,000 yards and 649 touchdowns during his remarkable career with New England and Tampa Bay, sources said.

There is probably no one in the world more qualified than Brady to evaluate Prescott, who is entering the final year of his contract, or to examine Watson, who will play for the first time since breaking a bone in his throwing shoulder in November.

The injury was an abrupt and shocking end to Watson’s second season with the Browns, who are still hoping that a $230 million investment that was supposed to aid their long quarterback search won’t be wasted.

Watson had no trouble throwing this summer, but the Browns decided not to play him in the preseason to avoid disaster. Coach Kevin Stefanski rebuilt his offense, hiring coordinator Ken Dorsey — a former Browns quarterback — to adapt a system that better suits Watson’s dual-threat skills.

It’s worked well in practice, but Cleveland’s offense may need some time to find its rhythm.

If that happens, the Browns will rely on a defense led by standout defensive tackle and reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.

Under first-year coordinator Jim Schwartz, the unit dominated the 2023 regular season before fading after a playoff loss to Houston.

“They have elite players at every level,” Prescott said. “That’s a strength. And playing with Schwartz earlier in my career, understanding what he wants to do and watching their tapes last year, he’s very physical. They’re fast. They know how to play to their strengths and they’re a great matchup for us.”

As usual, Dallas is burdened with lofty expectations. That comes with the territory as America’s Team, a title that could now belong to Kansas City.

Despite winning 12 games in each of the last three seasons, the Cowboys failed to win the NFC title, and owner Jerry Jones’ patience — never his strong suit — was wearing thin. It was now or never.

Prescott, who is coming off his best season as a pro (36 TDs, 9 INTs, 4,516 yards), wants a contract extension because he is determined to be the man who brings the Cowboys back to the top. Dallas last won the Super Bowl in 1995 — an eternity for his demanding fans.

“That’s what motivates me to be here, honestly, to be the quarterback who does it, who wins it,” he said. “I don’t think winning anywhere else is the same as winning here. That’s the No. 1 A in wanting to be here.”

Assembly lines

Both teams have had to reshuffle their offensive lines. Dallas will field two rookies. Cleveland is unsure who will start.

The Cowboys are counting on first-round pick Tyler Guyton to protect Prescott’s blindside from the game-shattering Garrett. He could use a lot of help.

Additionally, Cooper Beebe, a third-round pick out of Kansas State, will start at center and fill the void left by Tyler Biadasz, who joined Washington as a free agent.

For Cleveland, left quarterback Jedrick Wills Jr. does not appear ready after offseason knee surgery. The Browns could temporarily move right quarterback Jack Conklin, but he only returned last week from knee reconstruction. James Hudson III is another option.

It is also possible the Browns will make some changes at quarterback.

“I have faith in all of them,” Bitonio said. “They all played football. We know they have great edges, but we have faith in all of these guys.”

Lamb’s Lost Time

Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb confidently declared he would be ready without restrictions after missing training camp and the preseason on a contract holdout, signing a four-year, $136 million contract extension last week.

The Browns finished first in pass defense last year and believe they will be ready for Lamb, who led the league with 135 receptions last season while setting a franchise record with 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.

“He wears No. 88, so we’ll be able to find him,” Schwartz joked. “I like our lineups. It’s NFL football, man. It’s incredible. One of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and what I think is the best cornerback group. We play a lot of man-on-man, so it’ll be fun to watch them.”

On the edge

Micah Parsons was elegantly dressed in a tailored blue suit during his last visit to Cleveland. This time, he will be less formal.

The Cowboys selected the star edge rusher with the 12th overall pick when they hosted the Browns in the 2021 draft. He has since had 41 sacks and joined Hall of Famer Reggie White as the only players with at least 13 in each of his first three seasons.

Even though he won’t be able to match Garrett, Parsons wants to match him.

“I always love competition, and I felt that even when we played the Rams and (Aaron) Donald,” Parsons said. “If Donald had two sacks, I need two sacks, just because of the spirit of competition. We both know where we are. Garrett is one of my favorite rushers — him and Maxx Crosby — two guys who are just so weird and talented. He’s going to be exciting to play against.”

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AP Sports Writer Schuyler Dixon contributed to this report from Dallas.