From Deseret News archives:

Owens, Romo lead Dallas past Cleveland 28-10

Published: Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008 7:39 p.m. MDT
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They've got big-time fans, too. Before the game, LeBron James, Cleveland's NBA superstar and a longtime Dallas fan, hugged both Joneses and Owens.

"LeBron told me to get my popcorn ready," Owens said, repeating a phrase T.O. made famous when he brought his show to Dallas in 2006.

Saddled with enormous expectations, the Browns, who were winless during an injury-plagued preseason, dropped to 1-9 in openers since returning to the league in 1999.

The Browns began last season by being trounced 34-7 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will visit next Sunday night in a nationally televised game.

Cleveland's only touchdown came on Derek Anderson's 2-yard pass to Kellen Winslow in the second quarter. Anderson went 11-of-24 for 114 yards but never got into a rhythm with wide receiver Braylon Edwards, who had only two catches and dropped at least two, including one in the first quarter on what would have been a sure TD.

"We faced a good football team and made them better," Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. "We dropped balls, missed tackles, missed an interception and let them throw a (touchdown) over our heads. You can't do that and expect to win. A lot things went wrong."

Edwards missed three exhibition games with a cut foot and said the time off hurt his timing.

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"Last time I checked, we still have 15 games so we have a lot of time to get better," he said. "We'll be fine."

The Cowboys, who led 21-7 at halftime, had touchdown drives of 80, 69, 69 and 86 yards, the final one capped by an 11-yard TD run by rookie Felix Jones on his first regular-season carry. He finished with 62 yards.

In the second quarter, Owens blew past safety Brandon McDonald and hauled in his TD pass from Romo to give the Cowboys a 14-7 lead. One of the league's most celebrated end zone showmen, Owens placed the ball near the goal line and shook each leg as if he was getting ready to get into the starting blocks and take on Olympic blur Usain Bolt in the 100 meters. He was called for unsportsmanlike conduct.

It was his 130th career TD, tying him with Cris Carter for second on the career list behind Jerry Rice (197).

Notes: The Browns were without WRs Donte Stallworth (groin) and Pro Bowl return specialist Josh Cribbs (ankle). Stallworth was expected to play and took part in warmups. ... Despite the loss, the Browns lead the all-time series 17-12. ... Dallas had 30 first downs to Cleveland's 11, and had the ball for 37:29 to Cleveland's 22:31.

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Image
Associated Press

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens (81) dives over the goal line under Cleveland Browns safety Sean Jones (26) on a 35-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter.

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