The more games Dak Prescott plays, the less logical it gets for Dallas return to Tony Romo as its starter once the quarterback is cleared to play. Prescott added to his fantastic resume in his rookie season on Sunday, passing for 287 yards and two touchdowns with an interception on 19 of 29 passes in a 29-23 overtime win over the Eagles.
Considering that Prescott found success against Philly’s formidable defense, there’s little room for doubt that he could do more damage against the Browns. For one, the Browns own a punching bag defense that lets opponents rack up 421.5 total yards per game. Cleveland is particularly soft on the ground with 143.8 rushing yards allowed per contest. Expect the Cowboys to make a barbecue out of that Cleveland defense, as they are tops in the league with a rushing attack that generates 161.2 yards per game. Rookie Ezekiel Elliott, who had 96 rushing yards on 22 touches in the Philly game, should find big gaps for him to navigate through next Sunday.
Also looking primed to get toasted this coming Sunday is Cleveland quarterback Josh McCown, who’s protected by a lackluster offensive line that has already allowed 22 sacks this year.
Dallas is 3-0 SU and ATS in its last three road games.
Cleveland, of all places, is now the epicenter of sports with the success of the Cavaliers and the Indians. Just don’t expect the Browns to join the party of their comrades, as they’re currently in labor of getting a mere win this season.
The Browns’ most recent attempt to get a W was another signature failure for the franchise, as they lost to the Jets on Sunday, 31-28, despite a 13-point lead at the half. This is Cleveland, though, and demoralizing losses like this aren’t new to the team.
Amidst the loss, the Browns must be thrilled to have Josh McCown back. McCown passed for 341 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions in his first game back since Week 2. He should still be the one under center next Sunday against Dallas. Cleveland’s running game was barely there against New York, producing just68 yards, albeit with a touchdown care of Isaiah Crowell. Up against Dallas’ run defense that ranks inside the top 10 in the NFL, the Browns are expected to rely mostly on McCown’s arm again.
McCown has a few decent options downfield, including Terrelle Pryor and Gary Barnidge. Pryor has rapidly transformed into an NFL-quality wideout this season, as he leads the team in both receptions (41) and receiving yards (532) to go with three touchdowns. Pryor managed 101 yards while covered often by Darrelle Revis last Sunday. Revis may be on the decline but that’s enough to boost Pryor’s confidence heading into a huge matchup with Dallas.
