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I want you to focus on two numbers for a second… 0-8.
2008 was the year that I graduated from high school, and before my freshman year at Texas A&M University my Dad and I took a trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. You know… “OH” kind of looks like “08”, don’t you think? If you just closed the top/bottom of the H it would totally work!
Another city in the state of “08IO” is Cleveland (sorry Indians fans). “The Land”, as LeBron James has dubbed it recently, is home to much more than just the self-proclaimed King. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland, and so are the most lovable losers known to the National Football League – The Browns.
We decided to devote part of our trip to these Cleveland Browns and their Training Camp, we wanted to see how the franchise that gave us the Cardiac Kids prepared for a season. Browns Training Camp literally happens in a tiny neighborhood in Berea, OH… and I seriously mean neighborhood. It’s right out of a Disney movie.
We’re walking about Training Camp, right? Kellen Winslow (K2) was there, and things were pretty interesting. In the middle of experience were two fans who stood out above the rest. They were an older couple… and I mean they really stood out.
The man wore a Joe Thomas Pro Bowl jersey, Browns shorts, and had a fairly bright goatee. The woman had a standard Thomas Browns jersey, a matching skirt, oh and she had a bright orange mohawk. They were very friendly and obviously loved football. Papa Ocho and I struck up a conversation with the duo, exchanged pleasantries, and I snagged a photo with them.
Who is this lovely couple? Only Joe Thomas’ Aunt Mary and Uncle Tom. Yes, that Joe Thomas. The 9-Time Pro Bowler, 6-Time First-Team All-Pro, stud Left Tackle for the Cleveland Browns Joe Thomas! That dude!
Look how bold these two young kids are… and they’re Browns fans! If they can be bold, anyone can be bold. That’s this week’s lesson as the Cowboys take on the 0-8 Cleveland Browns. Welcome to my 5 Bold Predictions. Let’s roll.
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The Cowboys Win By The Exact Same Score From The Last Time They Were In Cleveland
Sunday, September 7th, 2008 was 2,982 days before this game. What’s the significance of that day? It was the last time the Dallas Cowboys visited the Cleveland Browns (no big deal but right after I met Joe Thomas’ Aunt and Uncle).
For what it’s worth 2 + 9 + 8 + 2 = 21 so Ezekiel Elliott is obviously going to go off, but he’ll be doing his damage in the Cowboys “cursed” navy jerseys. That’s right, America’s Team will be donning their away uniforms when they visit the Factory of Sadness… just like they did almost three thousand days ago.
That day the Cowboys won 28-10. It’s happening again. Shabooya.
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“3-1” Plays A Role In The Form Of A Big Play From Byron Jones
Did you know that the Golden State Warriors blew a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers? Did you also know that the Cleveland Indians blew a 3-1 lead in the World Series to the Chicago Cubs? Good.
3-1 has been everywhere in sports throughout 2016. The Cowboys are bringing one of the best 31’s there is to the city well-versed in the number’s magic – Byron Jones.
“The Senator” is one of the better Cowboy defenders, and shockingly has never recorded an interception in his young career. I’m not saying that Byron hauls in an interception here, but he’s going to have an impactful play. 3-1 is freaky like that, just like Byron’s athleticism.
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Orlando Scandrick Records Two Sacks
In the interest of keeping things chronological, I have jumped from #31 to #32 – Orlando Scandrick.
The Cowboys may be 6-1 in 2016, but Orlando Scandrick has only been present for three games. The Philadelphia win marked his first return since Week 2.
Two is a funny number for Mr. Thirty-Two. That’s the week he last played before leaving for injury, and it’s the number of sacks he currently has on the season… thanks to an epic one he had near the end of last week’s overtime thrilling victory against the Eagles.
Orlando wrapped up the opposing quarterback once last week, but he’s going to double (another two) that digit. Whatever you’re going to bet, double it.
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Dan Bailey Attempts Extra Points From Opposite Hash Marks
The greatest kicking mind that roams the internet is none other than Inside The Pylon’s Chuck Zodda. I spoke with Chuck on their Quick Kicks Podcast – concerning the current state of the Cowboys – and of course the subject of kickers came up.
Chuck is more than a fantastic football follow, he’s an astute observer. There isn’t a football that’s kicked, a lace that’s not out, or a squib that isn’t seen by him.
In fact, Chuck Zodda was the first person to notice something absolutely incredible about Dan Bailey.
Dan Bailey is literally toying with kicking now – moving his location on XP from kick to kick to get some practice in despite no misses
— Chuck Zodda (@ZoddaZone) September 19, 2016
How absurd is it that Dan Bailey is so clutch at extra points that he uses them as opportunities to get better for field goals? Also, how sick is it that Dan knows he has a lot of extra point attempts to use as practice?
I want to imagine that Dan is doing this out of smug arrogance as opposed to precision and detail, but that just wouldn’t make sense. Love you, Danny boy.
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Ezekiel Elliott Triples His Last Performance In The State Of Ohio
The last time young Zeke toted the rock in the ‘ol O-H-I-O was November 21st, 2015 when The Ohio State Buckeyes hosted the Michigan State Spartans. It wasn’t exactly Zeke’s finest day as he only rushed 12 times for 33 yards and a single touchdown.
How many games did the Cubs win in a row to dethrone the Indians? Three. Zeke is going to multiply that performance by three on Sunday. 36 carries, 99 yards, and a hat trick of touchdowns await the Offensive Rookie of the Month.
Eat. Eat. Eat.
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Bonus Bold Predictions
Remember, if you want YOUR Bold Prediction featured here, tweet it at me! It’s that simple! Here are this week’s contributions, thanks to all those who shared!
https://twitter.com/DonnyKf5stk/status/793249129648402432
@rjochoa ✭✭ On my 21st birthday my bold prediction is THE #21 @EzekielElliott will have 210 all purpose yards with 2 Rush TDs & 1 Rec TD ✭✭
— Deacon🐗Blues (@AP_Razorback) November 1, 2016
zeke with 200 yards dez with 2 tds and Anthony brown with a pick 6 for my bold predictions.
— Chase Aguiar (@chaseaguiar) November 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/LilDwat/status/793556839019315200
@rjochoa Bold Prediction right here. JJ WILCOX will have 3 sacks with a Pick Six. #BOLDPrediction #RJsfavplayer
— Gene Garza (@genegarza) November 2, 2016
@rjochoa Bold Prediction: @EzekielElliott runs for close to, if not over, 200 yards in his return to Ohio!
— Coach Hudson (@WG_trackcoach) November 2, 2016
@AlexGelhar Zeke will get over 160 yds this week in his homecoming to Ohio. Book it
— Dustin H (@duh1534) November 3, 2016
@rjochoa Bold Prediction: Most rushing yards in a single game was 296 by AP, done the week of Nov. 4th. Jamal Lewis's 295 yards was done
— JPcards (@JP_cards51) November 3, 2016
@rjochoa #bold prediction Zeke gets his first 200+ yd game & scores 3 TDs. Dez gets 2 TDs & we get our first 40+ point game ☺
— Jen B (@moneymouse74) November 3, 2016
Well, well, well. We have quite the list of contributions this week, don’t we?!
The love seems to heavily favor Ezekiel Elliott so I think it’s fair to say the class is of the belief that Zeke is going to fare well in his return to The Buckeye State. Also our pal Gene thinks JJ Wilcox is going to have himself a game, my oh my that would be tasty.
Basically Zeke is going to go bananas and JJ Wilcox is going to eat them. They eat, you eat, I eat, we all eat. Huzzah.
[signoff author=”rjochoa” source=”rjoshow”]
What are YOUR Bold Predictions for this week’s Cowboys/Browns game? Let us know! Comment below, Email me at RJ.Ochoa@SlantSports.com, or Tweet to me at @RJOchoa!
