Cowboys 2024 opponent preview: X-factors for the Cleveland Browns

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There are some underrated players who the Cowboys will see in Week 1.

Earlier this week, the Dallas Cowboys announced their full schedule for training camp in Oxnard, signifying the return of the regular season is inching closer. When this season kicks off, the Cowboys won’t have an easy schedule, as they’ll be facing eight teams who made the playoffs last season. Before Week 1, getting familiar with what the Cowboys will be up against is essential. Instead of looking at the star players that we know for this year’s opponents, we’ll look below the surface and analyze the under-the-radar X-factors that the Cowboys could face on a week-by-week basis for all 14 regular season opponents. Today in the first part of our series, we look at the Cleveland Browns.

Opponent: Cleveland Browns

2023 record: 11-6

Date on the schedule: Week 1, Sept 8th

Jerome Ford, running back

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The Browns were decimated by injuries last season, the most significant loss being quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Browns endured and found themselves in the postseason thanks to their defense and a resurgent Joe Flacco. However, Jerome Ford played a big part in calming the metaphorical turbulent waters along Lake Erie. Thrust into a starting role following an injury to lead-runner Nick Chubb, Ford quickly became a core piece of the Cleveland Browns offense. The then second-year runner remained the starting running back after the team re-signed Kareem Hunt and never looked back. Ford led the Browns backfield with 813 rushing yards and had 1,132 yards from scrimmage for nine total scores.

JEROME FORD TO THE HOUSE.

: #CLEvsIND on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/iTs8HMaXlh pic.twitter.com/AAqrhM36Kz

— NFL (@NFL) October 22, 2023

He may not be the most efficient runner, but he is durable having played all 17 games for the Browns. He must be in case Chubb isn’t ready to start the season. In all likelihood, Ford would be the team’s starter when they open the season against the Cowboys. The speedy runner could be a problem if not contained early by the Dallas defense.

Cedric Tillman, wide receiver

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At the top of their wide receiving corps, the Browns boast a talented group that’s comprised of former Cowboy Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, and Elijah Moore. Yet, Cedric Tillman could be on the cusp of a big jump in his second season in the NFL. He’s a big target at 6’3”, bigger than the Browns mentioned above receivers, and isn’t afraid of contact over the middle. Per Player Profiler, Tillman ranked eighth in athleticism score among rookie receivers (105.1). Though he is a big receiver, he can also play in the slot, which could be a matchup the Browns could look to exploit against Jourdan Lewis. Vertically, Tillman has enough speed to stretch the field as he did many times at the University of Tennessee and plays the ball well downfield. He had a modest first year for the Browns with 224 yards as a rookie, but again, his enticing set of tools could climb him up the pecking order and into an expansive role in his sophomore season. Don’t sleep on this receiver in September.

Martin Emerson, cornerback

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If it’s your first time hearing the name Martin Emerson, no one can blame you. Martin Emerson might be one of the best-kept secrets in the NFL. Playing opposite an exceptional cornerback like Denzel Ward, it’s easy to be overlooked. Yet, Emerson is a unique talent in his own right. At 6’2”, 201 lbs., with 33-inch arms, he’s a big, rangy cornerback who can reroute receivers off the line with his length and size. Turning back to Player Profiler, he was ranked fifth in yards allowed in target separation at 1.2 and allowed zero touchdowns in coverage last season.

Furthermore, he ranked second in coverage rating (+35.3) and catch rate allowed (43.8%). He’s been a model of consistency over his last two seasons, with 29 passes defended and four interceptions last season, an area where he struggled in college. This player is ascending and could be a surprise Pro Bowler by the season’s end.