Although we have to wait until Sunday to watch the Cowboys in action, the National Football League is finally back tonight, and man, I cannot wait to watch a real football game that matters.

I am excited to see what type of team is going to show up for the Cowboys because over the summer I heard a lot of negative talk from the media and even the fans acting like this team is going to stink.

They have too much talent on both sides of the ball for that to be the case. You know it just as much as I do. With that said, they have a tough task to start the year, but one where they can make a statement.

4x SB Champ @robgronkowski comes to the defense of #Cowboys QB Dak Prescott 💪

"If you're winning every year and going to the playoffs every year… that's SUCCESS in the NFL." @heykayadams @dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/vtbz1Vpdzg

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 4, 2024

I am no coach or a player, but I study the game of football enough to pinpoint a few areas I think the Cowboys can take care of the No. 1 defense in football from a year ago, and an offense who gets Deshaun Watson back.

Stay Patient

The Dallas Cowboys are starting two rookies on the offensive line. It is not going to be pretty from the start, but they are going to have to stay patient.

Myles Garrett will be breathing down the neck of the young guys, and this team can’t try and throw the ball 45 times against the Browns secondary.

Garrett is known for his explosive pass rush and relentless play. Tyler Guyton, who showed plenty of promise throughout the preseason, will have his hands full protecting the blindside of Dak Prescott.

The Cowboys are going to have to run the football. They are going to need to stay patient with it.

I would expect Rico Dowdle and Zeke to spilt the carries down the middle in the first game, but even between the two, they might not touch 100 yards.

It will probably struggle, but this is going to be a defensive battle, so they need to just stay with it. CeeDee Lamb will probably only play about 85% of the snaps with just signing his new deal less than two weeks ago, so I hope Big Mike stays with it.

Tyler Guyton heading into his career opener for the #Cowboys — facing Myles Garrett:

"It's more football. Always excited about football. Same as every game. Prepare the right way."

Do you get nervous?

"I don't."

Ever?

"Never been a nervous guy."

Why not?

"Preparation."

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) September 4, 2024

Win The Turnover Battle

This is going to win the game in my opinion. You win the turnover battle, you are going to have the best chance to win this football game.

Under Dan Quinn, the Cowboys created a culture of forcing turnovers, with 93 takeaways since 2021.

The Browns had problems with giveaways last season, fumbling the ball 27 times and throwing 23 interceptions. Forcing turnovers against them can turn the tide of a game in favor of Dallas.

The Browns are going to play man coverage across the board, they don’t care who is on offense. They are going to force you to beat them.

Although I agree it is probably a bad matchup for Dallas and the rookies on the offensive line, folks say this all the time about the Cowboys.

Let’s not act like the Cowboys defense is an easy matchup for the Browns. Did Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Larwence retire? They are going to get after Cleveland, who has a problem at offensive tackle.

Cowboys WR Brandin Cooks on the criticism Dak Prescott receives: "It's blasphemy. It's unbelievable. The guy shows up every year, year in and year out. Putting up numbers, leading his team. He can't do it all by himself. A lot of those great quarterbacks that I've been with, Tom…

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 4, 2024

You win the turnover battle, you win the game. People are quick to forget that Dak only had 9 interceptions last year because it doesn’t fit everyone’s agenda.

I think this is going to be one of the best games of the week, and the Cowboys should have a good game plan. I am pumped to watch the defense under Mike Zimmer, a coach who is there to coach and not be your best friend.

If the offense can find the endzone early that would be a bonus, the Browns are tough at home.