FRISCO — A stiff challenge will await the Dallas Cowboys when they travel to play at the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in the regular-season opener for both teams.
Last year, despite a wave of bad luck, with injuries knocking out several quarterbacks and a Pro Bowl running back, the Browns reached the playoffs with an 11-5 record. They were especially strong at home, winning eight of nine games in Cleveland on the strength of the NFL’s top-ranked defense.
As they always do, several key matchups will dictate how this contest unfolds. Here are four to keep an eye on.
Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Guyton vs. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett
Tyler Guyton, a first-round rookie, earned the starting left tackle job and had help preparing for a tall task in Week 1. That doesn’t make the test any easier, though. Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett, an Arlington native and five-time All-Pro, is one of the NFL’s most fearsome edge rushers and will likely line up across from Guyton often on Sunday.
No matter what strategy the Cowboys devise to mitigate Garrett’s influence, they’ll need Guyton to hold his own against the opposing superstar. If he doesn’t, Garrett can muck up all of Dallas’ plans on offense.
Cowboys cornerback Caelen Carson (or others) vs. Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper
On the heels of his fifth Pro Bowl nod, Amari Cooper remains among the NFL’s elite receivers. The former Cowboys star carries game-breaking potential that’s especially important to the Browns’ offense while running back Nick Chubb remains sidelined to recover from a knee injury.
After starting cornerback DaRon Bland underwent foot surgery in August, the Cowboys thrust Caelen Carson into a starting role just months after they drafted the Wake Forest product in the fifth round. Carson appeared on the injury report Thursday with a knee ailment, so it’s possible his availability is in question. In that case, the Cowboys may dip even deeper into their depth to fill out the secondary Sunday.
It’s also possible the Cowboys elect to have two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs follow Cooper around the field to keep him away from a rookie like Carson or a backup.
Whatever the case, Dallas would be wise to keep Cooper in check.
Cowboys pass rushers vs. Browns offensive tackles
While several Cowboys rookies face challenges this week, the team’s proven edge-rushing duo stares down an opportunity. Browns starting left tackle Jedrick Wills is suffering from a knee injury, missed practice Thursday and told reporters he isn’t expecting to start in Week 1.
The Browns haven’t unveiled their plans to fill in for Wills, but any uncertainty on Cleveland’s offensive line should bode well for 11th-year veteran DeMarcus Lawrence and reigning second-team All-Pro Micah Parsons, Dallas’ two starting defensive ends. Both players have the skill set and know-how to cause havoc to a team starting a second-string tackle.
Cowboys linebackers vs. Browns quarterback DeShaun Watson
Even if Lawrence and Parsons give trouble to the Browns’ offensive line, that doesn’t guarantee that they’ll be able to bring down DeShaun Watson, a signal-caller with a history of elusiveness. Watson can use his mobility to escape pressure, and Cleveland also likes to design opportunities for the 28-year-old to roll out of the pocket and make plays with his legs.
Veteran free agent addition Eric Kendricks and a cast of rotational linebackers that includes rookie Marist Liufau, DeMarvion Overshown and Damone Clark will try to contain the quarterback from the second level of Dallas’ defense. They know it’s an especially important job this week.