Cowboys should capitalize on what Browns expert admits is a 'big risk' for Week 1 opponent
It's always difficult to know what to expect from any given team in Week 1 of each NFL season. But it's even harder to know for a team you don't cover. That's why ahead of the Dallas Cowboys' season opener against the Cleveland Browns, I linked up with A to Z Sports Browns writer Brandon Little […]
It's always difficult to know what to expect from any given team in Week 1 of each NFL season. But it's even harder to know for a team you don't cover. That's why ahead of the Dallas Cowboys' season opener against the Cleveland Browns, I linked up with A to Z Sports Browns writer Brandon Little for some insight.
The Cowboys don't have an easy game as they'll be on the road on a potentially windy game against one of the best defenses in the league featuring Myles Garrett, who will be facing first-round rookie Tyler Guyton, likely with a desire to welcome him into the pros. But what should we expect from Deshaun Watson these days? What about the rest of the defensive stars the Cowboys will be facing?
And there's a mismatch the Cowboys should be able to exploit through Micah Parsons. Let's dive in.
Deshaun Watson has been mediocre during his time in Cleveland. Is there reason to believe he'll bounce back in 2024?
Brandon: "In no way has this trade gone the way that the Browns had hoped for. Between the suspension and injury last season, Watson has played in just 12 games with the Browns. He has been mostly average to below average but has shown those moments that make you think he can reclaim some of his pre-2020 success.
With a lot of new offensive minds in-house, the Browns are going to put Watson in what they believe is the best-case scenario for him to be his best self. Cleveland is going to incorporate some option routes and do other things to get Watson moving out of the pocket in 2024 as he likes to do. His offseason went fully according to plan and there are no excuses left. If it does not work out in the third season, the Browns will be looking forward to when they can cut bait."
Myles Garrett vs. first-round rookie Tyler Guyton looks like a mismatch on paper. But what other defensive players should the Cowboys beware of ahead of Week 1?
Brandon: "Myles Garrett gets all of the talk but the Browns have multiple Pro Bowl-caliber players on their defense.
A player like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has blossomed into one of the league’s best off-ball linebackers and had 20 tackles for a loss last season. I think he is someone to watch in the middle of the defense because he can do a bit of it all. Denzel Ward will see a ton of time lined up against CeeDee Lamb and Martin Emerson Jr. will likely too as well. Both cornerbacks have ball skills to force turnovers and they’re going to have their hands full to open the season."
The Browns are banged up at offensive tackle but seem to have solid depth, what should expectations be for that OL against Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence?
Brandon: "The one spot that is a big question mark right now is left tackle. Jedrick Wills Jr. returned to practice for the first time since last November on Wednesday but said that he would not be starting. Cleveland is either going to switch Jack Conklin to the left side or roll with swing tackle James Hudson. Both options are big risks because they may not work out. Hudson has been below average, while it is tough to ask a veteran player to flip his pass sets even if he has done it before.
Add in that you’re going to have to stop Micah Parsons, it gets that much more worrisome. Cleveland is going to send David Njoku in the way of Parsons as much as they can to help with some of the blocking. Cleveland holds Njoku’s blocking in high regard and they will need him to be on the field most of the way Sunday."
It's easy to get carried away by the fact that the Cowboys will have rookies starting for their offensive line, but the fact that the Browns might be forced to play a backup left tackle against a pass rusher as dominant as Parsons should be as big of a mismatch. Even if it's Conklin, switching sides isn't easy when facing someone who will make the most out of every misstep from his opponent thanks to his elite speed and inside counters.
It'll be a big game in Cleveland as the Cowboys try to pull off the upset on the road. If they're to achieve it, expect Parsons to be a big reason why.
