Cowboys vs. Browns winner to be decided in the trenches

Dallas Cowboys victory revolves around holding the line in the trenches

Those assuming the Dallas Cowboys finally found an easier opponent this Sunday may want to reconsider. The Cleveland Browns present many potentially dire match up problems for a wounded Cowboys lineup.

There have only been two games since the Los Angeles Rams controlled Dallas with a balanced offense and trench domination on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately, the Browns can present similar match up disadvantages for a repeat.

BROWNS OFFENSIVE LINE BULLIES

Through three games, the Browns have one of the best rushing attacks in football. Their two-headed monster backfield ranks in the top five in attempts (99), yards (511), touchdowns (5), and yards per attempt (5.2). They’ve rushed the ball 14 more times than pass attempts (85).

The last thing Dallas can afford is confusion trying to guess what’s coming next like the Rams loss. If the Browns run effectively, quarterback Baker Mayfield will become much more dangerous. 24 of his 85 pass attempts have come from play action, resulting in 127 yards.

If play action is allowed to significantly influence the game, Cleveland has the weapons to expose the Dallas defense. Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry are dangerous draws for a banged up secondary. The Browns line also protects well allowing only four sacks.

Cleveland often uses two tight end (12) formations. If efficient running allows effective play action passing, this formation will haunt Dallas. Isolating their talented tight ends on a preoccupied, inferior covering Jaylon Smith would be easy pickings.

Bottom line … the Dallas defense MUST attack Cleveland’s powerful line and make limiting the run its top priority.

THE CLEVELAND DEFENSIVE WALL

While the Browns are having injury issues at right defensive end, the left end is occupied by a Cowboys nightmare in the form of Myles Garrett. Often paired next to him is explosive defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.

For a Cowboys line relying on inferior options due to injuries, these two could wreak havoc. Depending on Tyron Smith‘s availability at tackle, no other name besides Zack Martin or Brandon Knight should play the position. This is not the game to play with fire trusting an undrafted rookie.

If the Browns pass rush (8 sacks, 19 QB hurries) is not enough to worry about, the run defense is equally as stout. They rank fifth in rushing yards allowed (282) and sixth in yards per carry allowed (3.7). It will take a maximum effort for Dallas to run with effective consistency. Which unfortunately is crucial in limiting pass rush pressure.

By no means should Dallas Cowboys fans concede a loss in this match up, but it’s paramount the team determines their best five available offensive linemen and goes to war as best equipped as possible.