Browns vs Cowboys: 3 keys to a Cleveland victory in Week 1

Deshaun Watson, Micah Parson among keys to victory for the Browns over Cowboys

Week 1. Game 1. The Cleveland Browns quest to New Orleans for Super Bowl 59 starts at home this Sunday when they will take on the Dallas Cowboys. Instead of their usual 1:00 PM start time, the team will kick off at 4:25. NFL on Fox will broadcast the game with Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady (who is making his broadcasting debut), Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi. Here are the 3 things to watch for.

How will the new look-offense (mainly Deshaun Watson) look

Since the beginning of training camp, there have been many questions on how the new look offense is going to look after the hire of Ken Dorsey this offseason. The offense needed a new approach considering how stale it has gotten throughout the years.

Judging by the preseason (granted it’s the preseason and very few starters or contributors played) we saw a more diverse scheme prior to years past. More RPO’s (run-pass option), more shotgun looks, more pistol formations.

Outside of the offense looking different, what will the quarterback look like? Watson didn’t play at all during the preseason, which led to speculation (some of it unnecessary at times) if he would be ready to play at all but the coaching staff has stated time and time again, there will be no restrictions for Watson.

During training camp, Watson had his highs and lows but this offense is strictly geared towards his strengths and Watson appears to be locked in for the opener. All eyes on the offense and the quarterback on Sunday afternoon.

Containing #11 (Micah Parsons)

Considering how the Browns are missing their starting left tackle as Jedrick Wills is not yet ready to return, all eyes will be on the Browns offensive line this Sunday. Right tackle Jack Conklin will slide over to the left side, if he’s able to play, to deal with star defensive end Micah Parsons.

The last time Conklin played left tackle was when he was in college, which was 8 years ago. Transitioning from the right side to the left isn’t an easy transition. However, Conklin has experience on both sides.

Conklin has had injury history and he is coming off reconstructive knee surgery so it will be curious to see how he looks. Cleveland will try their best to contain Parsons and not let him tee off on Watson. If there is anything that I have learned, the best way to neutralize Parsons is to get the ball out quickly in the passing game, double team and chip blocks. It’s a simple task, Cleveland has to execute it.

If Conklin can’t play, James Hudson III will get the start and will need even more help than Conklin.

What will the collective energy be for the team?

It may seem silly writing about this but it’s important nonetheless. Energy is key. It’s infectious. Contagious. Do you see where I’m going with this?

It’s the first game of the season. Similar to last season, this is another nationally televised game. Second straight year opening at home. For some reason, the vibes around the fans have been low. Why? No idea. However, the team has been anxious to play an actual game that matters and you can tell if you were to look at the reports coming out of their respective joint practices against the Minnesota Vikings, the defense was talked about more in high regards.

Can the energy the defense had throughout training camp translate to opening day? We shall see but it wouldn’t surprise me if the team came out with a new source of energy to set the tone off the right way for the season.