Cleveland Browns: Top 5 opposing receivers in 2016

It isn’t often the Browns welcome America’s team to First Energy Stadium, as Cleveland only hosts the Cowboys once every eight seasons. Although the Cowboys aren’t a major rival in any sense for the Browns, the contest still matters, and the Browns will need to stop a very potent offense to have a legitimate chance at winning.

Week 9 will also be a very critical game for this Cleveland team, as it may be an early “must win” if they are indeed in playoff contention. A home game against a team with a lot of unknown factors is certainly a winnable game, if the Browns can keep one of the most dominant players in football in check.

Dez Bryant is one of the more valuable weapons in all of football, and though he struggled with injuries in 2015, he managed to put up some of the best receiving stats in the game. Now, with a healthy Tony Romo, and a running back drafted in the first round, there will be less pressure on Bryant, which should increase his production.

With all of these weapons, including Cowboys mainstay Jason Witten, the key for Cleveland’s secondary will be to stay disciplined. They can’t overreact to any big play, but must still devote a lot of their scheme to slowing down Bryant. Bryant’s 6-foot-2, 225 pound frame will be a difficult size advantage to neutralize, but the Browns have no choice, as one play made by Bryant can completely alter the complexion of this game.

Many say the former Oklahoma State Cowboy has passed his prime, as he had his career high 16 touchdown receptions in 2014. However, Bryant is only 28 years old, and is certainly physically capable of returning to his 2014 form. The Browns will have their hands full with a young, undersized secondary going up against one of the biggest offensive threats in all of football.

It is possible that a cold November day on the shores of Lake Erie will benefit the Browns, especially in their task to prevent Bryant from having a monster game. In fact, an assist from Mother Nature would be greatly appreciated in what may be a crucial contest.

Regardless, Dez Bryant will be one of the toughest offensive threats the Browns will face. They know this secondary won’t completely shut him down, but if they can limit the imprint he leaves on this game, the Browns may steal a victory against a good offense.

Next: 3. A.J. Green