Dallas City News

Despite injuries that plagued their quarterback position for much of the season, the Cleveland Browns, led by their excellent defense, still managed to win 11 games and make it to the playoffs. Unfortunately, that playoff appearance was short-lived and did not go as they had planned with a 45-15 thumping at the hands of C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans.

However, fast-forward to the present day, and as the Cowboys prepare to take them on in Week 1 of the 2024 season, the Browns look prepared to once again be a well-respected team worthy of playoff consideration.

Browns File

2023 Record: 11-6 (Second in NFC North)

Last Meeting: 10/04/2020 49-38 Browns win (Cleveland leads series 18-14)

Head Coach: Kevin Stefanski (37-30 Career Record)

Key Additions: EDGE Za’Darius Smith, LB Jordan Hicks, RB D’Onta Foreman

Key Departures: LB Sione Takitaki, TE Harris Bryant, DT Jordan Elliott

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

The biggest factor when it comes to the outcome of this Week 1 matchup probably resides on the blind side of the Cowboys’ offense. With rookie Tyler Guyton expected to make his first career start at left tackle, he is going to be well-aquatinted with All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett.

The Browns’ star is one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers and will be an absolutely daunting task for the rookie’s first pro experience. Garrett tallied 14 sacks, four forced fumbles, and 42 total tackles last year. Garrett is a true game-wrecker in every sense of the term and will be someone the Cowboys will be watching closer than anyone as they try to beat the Browns in Week 1.

Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images

While old friend Amari Cooper will be lining up on Sunday, other wide receivers like Jerry Jeudy could have a big impact on the outcome of this game. With Trevon Diggs available on one side, how the likes of rookie Caelen Carson and veteran Jourdan Lewis fair against Jerry Jeudy and Co. will have a massive ripple effect if Cooper draws some double coverages.

Jeudy comes to Cleveland looking for a fresh start after a tumultuous tenure in Denver. Fresh off of a season where he finished with 54 receptions, 758 receiving yards, and two touchdowns, Jeudy is a weapon worth watching.

Although the start of his career hasn’t been what he thought it would be, the young former Alabama star still has tremendous talent and could be an issue if not accounted for properly.