5 Cowboys players the Browns must focus on in Week 1 (2024)

Oct 4, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) drops back to pass against Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

There is no surprise that Dak Prescott would be one of the players on this list. The Cowboys’ starting quarterback is entering his 9th season in the NFL and coming off one of his best-ever statistical years. In 2023, Prescott reached career-high numbers in his completion percentage at 69.5 percent and QBR with a rating of 105.9. With a run game that is predicted to be inconsistent, the Browns will look for him to be throwing early and often.

The former Mississippi State Bulldog has been nothing short of dominant since entering the NFL and earning his starting position, though many feel he has much more to prove. After the sour taste last season’s playoffs left for the Cowboys, Prescott will be looking for a big performance in his first outing since the loss.

Jan 8, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) stands on the field during warmups prior to the Cowboys’ game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Many eyes have shifted focus to cornerback Trevon Diggs since the injury announcement to All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland. Diggs first came onto the scene as the ballhawk corner who could make a play on almost any pass within his range. Lately, he has developed into a very solid corner who has great experience against some of the league’s best wide receivers.

Last season, Diggs posted his career-best PFF grade with an 80.7, a very solid grade. Even though recently he has not made as many flashy interceptions as he did his rookie season, he has developed into a more improved defensive back that the Browns can’t afford to ignore. The now Cowboys’ top cornerback will most likely have to guard Amari Cooper with the long-term injury impacting Bland’s availability. We will see how he handles the pressure of having to guard the Browns’ most talented pass catchers.

Jan 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) scores a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the first half for the 2024 NFC wild card game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

This third-year Cowboys player is one the Browns will have to give more attention than most. In a team with limited skill talent around CeeDee Lamb, tight end Jake Ferguson emerged as one of the league’s most promising tight ends in 2023. After a very quiet rookie season when he was drafted 129th overall, Dak Prescott quickly learned that he was one of the team’s most trustworthy pass catchers.

In 2023, Ferguson managed to collect 71 catches with 761 yards and five touchdowns. These stats quickly put him as a top-10 tight end in the NFL, especially considering his young age and potential. With so many teams focused on CeeDee Lamb, starting quarterback Dak Prescott has made sure to take advantage of the open routes that are given to him. Cleveland cannot afford to make the same mistakes that many other defenses made in 2023 by leaving Ferguson open often.

Oct 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) rushes against Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Joe Noteboom (70) during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

As one of the NFL’s best linebackers and a multi-All-Pro award winner, Parsons is one of the most important players on the Dallas roster. The young defensive star has quickly emerged as not only one of the league’s best linebackers but perhaps one of the best defenders in all of football. In all three seasons of his career, he has finished top-three in Defensive Player of the Year voting and is looking to finally earn the honor.

Parsons is famous for his hybrid ability at both defensive end and linebacker. This makes him one of the league’s most versatile defenders and difficult to gameplan against. With double-digit sacks in all three of his NFL seasons, the Browns will be looking to eliminate his pass-rushing ability early on in Week 1.

Dec 4, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Last but not least is the 2023 reception leader and one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. fifth-year wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is coming off what was easily his best season since entering the professional level. Lamb managed to break his career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. His league-leading 135 receptions were the most in the NFL by far, with Tyreek Hill coming in second at 119 catches. After witnessing everyone struggle to stop Lamb last season, it makes you wonder what the game plan is for the Browns this Sunday.

The Browns’ defensive back room remains very healthy and up to the challenge of facing the very skilled receiver. All three of the Browns corners have the experience and skill to take on Lamb when the time comes. The Cowboys player is coming off a contract holdout that did not end until August 26th and made him one of the league’s highest-paid receivers. During this time, CeeDee Lamb did not see any action in the preseason for Dallas and saw very limited practice time as well. It will be interesting to see if he is ready to compete to the best of his ability against the Browns in Week 1.