The Cleveland Browns season opener will be this Sunday against a talented Dallas Cowboys team. Both teams have stars on both sides of the field, which makes for an entertaining game throughout the season opener for both sides. Add in Tom Brady calling his first game and a late afternoon kickoff, and this game has a little bit of everything.
Three Storylines to Watch in Browns Season Opener
Main Aspects to Focus on as the Orange and Brown Seek Another Playoff Berth
As successful a season as the Browns had last season, everyone remembers how it ended. The team went through five quarterbacks and injuries everywhere. They lost their star running back in week two, and defensive players throughout the season. They climbed their way in a tough division to 11 wins and rested starters in the final week.
The postseason was short and bad in all phases, so the season opener can’t come soon enough for Browns fans. Here are some of the main storylines to focus on the season opener in Cleveland.
Browns Defense, Especially the Secondary
The Browns defense was as dominant as any last season. Add in playing at home, and they were virtually immovable. However, the big question is will this success continue.
The defense remains almost the same as last season, with a few additions mainly at linebacker. The Browns had very few issues a season ago, but giving up big plays was certainly one of the few. The secondary returns to normal and was a group that struggled at times to stay healthy last season.
One of the most fascinating matchups this weekend will be CeeDee Lamb, one of the best wideouts in the league, going against one of the best secondaries. It will be interesting to see how the Browns line gets pressure, and how they cover the explosive receiver in Lamb.
Offensive Line and Running Back Combo in Season Opener
One of the leaders of the team is running back Nick Chubb suffered a gruesome injury in week two a season ago. With his return date unknown but at least weeks into the season, the running back group will need to help take some pressure off the offense.
#Browns Nick Chubb out at LEAST the first month of the season 🤯
Is Jerome Ford worth taking in your fantasy leagues? pic.twitter.com/spfWCFzGaS
— Bleacher Nation Fantasy (@FantasyLifeApp) August 26, 2024
Jerome Ford did solid in his time as the lead guy, and the Browns added some pieces in the room to compliment him. The room looks different than last season and isn’t the only group on the offense to suffer injuries. The Browns offensive line will be fascinating to watch in the season opener against an impressive Cowboys defensive line. With a few guys returning to full strength, it may not be out of the cards to see guys shifted around.
Wide Receivers Helping Out Watson
In the last game, we saw Deshaun Watson, he was playing very hurt but put together a great performance for a road division win. He made enough plays through the air and on the ground to get the job done. There were many rumors about adding a star receiver this offseason, and the team will be led by Amari Cooper again out wide. They added a solid second option in Jerry Jeudy, who will look to extend the field. Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman will see some time as well as the third option.
.@jamari_thrash had himself quite the preseason 🔥 https://t.co/WaaA0OTuh7 pic.twitter.com/NblZgmIflL
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 27, 2024
Jamari Thrash is a well-rounded rookie to keep an eye on as he has impressed in camp and the preseason. Add in tight ends led by David Njoku, and Watson should be able to facilitate some talented skill position players. If these phases of the offense and defense can make some plays and build off of last season, the Browns have a great chance to start with a win in the season opener.
Main Photo: [Jeff Lange] – USA Today Sports
