The waiting game is over. The Cowboys travel to Cleveland on Saturday in preparation for Sunday's Week 1 showdown with the Browns.
This will be a battle of the No. 1 scoring team in the NFL last year in the Cowboys, who averaged 29.9 points per game, against the No. 1 total defense in the league in the Browns, who allowed just over 270 yards per game.
A high-powered offense against a high-powered defense is juicy enough. Throw in the stat that Cleveland went 8-1 at home last year and it makes for an even tougher environment for the Cowboys. Here's what the staff writers had to say about Sunday's game against the Browns.
Nick Eatman: It worries me a little when everyone seems to have the same thought about this game being a close, low-scoring affair. That's exactly when it's 41-38 – or better yet, something like 48-39 like the last time these two teams met in 2020. But it feels different this year than a shootout game. I think both defenses are much better and I think the team that makes the big play in the second half is going to come out victorious. I see somewhat of a sloppy first half with each team having turnovers and mistakes. But give me Brandin Cooks to have a big play later in the game to set up a touchdown to help the Cowboys outlast the Browns. I've got two sacks for Micah Parsons, who I think will give the Browns O-line more problems than Myles Garrett does against the Cowboys. I've got Dallas 20-13.
Nick Harris: I'm expecting this game to be won or lost in the trenches, as Dallas will trot out two rookie offensive linemen against one of the most experienced defensive fronts in the league and Dallas' defensive line will look to take advantage of a depleted Browns offensive front. I feel this is going to be a rock fight, knockdown, drag out type of game with whatever defense standing taller coming out with the win. Give me Dallas, 17-13.
Kyle Youmans: Dallas doesn't have to wait long to face a team that will challenge them in every facet of their game. Cleveland produced the best passing defense in football last year, facing Dallas' top passing attack. The Browns have made it a point to run the ball in recent years, against a Cowboys team that has struggled to stop the run. There are many factors and matchups that have a chance to influence the game, but there's only one that I feel will be the difference, turnover margin. Cleveland turned the ball over at a league-high-rate last year, while Dallas has led the league in takeaways the last few seasons. Despite both units receiving new coordinators this year, I still believe there's core tendencies that remain. Because of this, Dallas secures a couple extra possessions that prove crucial in a gritty, defensive ballgame. Cowboys win 20-17.
Mickey Spagnola: Me thinks a whole of lot of skeptics will be surprised by how effective Ezekiel Elliott will run the ball, even against Cleveland's stout defense, finishing No. 1 in total defense last season. If this offensive line can hold its own, knowing the Cowboys will be starting two rookies for the first time in an opener since 2011, Zeke has shown signs of spring in his step. So, if Zeke and a combination of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke, can keep this Browns defense honest, the Cowboys should produce enough points to outdistance Browns questionable offense for a 23-20 win.
Patrik Walker: First, let me state the obvious and with a pun attached: this will be a dogfight. The Browns have one of the best defenses in the league and, even absent Nick Chubb, an arsenal of weapons on offense — led by ex-Cowboys' wideout Amari Cooper — to go along with a mobile quarterback. Now, let me point a couple things out other than Chubb being sidelined. Deshaun Watson is in his first game back from season-ending shoulder surgery, so I expect rust and, moreover, for him to be extremely panicked if he takes a couple of early sacks/hits; and the hits will definitely come with starting left tackle Jerrick Willis ruled out (and starting right tackle Jack Conklin is questionable). This is how the Cowboys can delete Cooper, Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore: keep hitting Watson. That includes the speedy LB corps keeping him in the pocket to take the hits. Offensively, I think Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle surprise people behind this new-look offensive line, opening up the passing game for Dak Prescott. Close for three quarters, but not through the fourth. Cowboys win 28-17.
