Can the Browns beat the Panthers? My prediction - Terry Pluto
Cleveland.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The Cleveland Browns are 1-1 after two games, showing significant improvement from a heavy loss in Jacksonville to a strong win in Tampa Bay, where they stopped a late comeback attempt by former QB Baker Mayfield.
- The Browns face a tough test against the Carolina Panthers, a team known for heavy blitzing, and success will depend heavily on quarterback Deshaun Watson, who had a poor game in Jacksonville but excelled in Tampa Bay.
- The Browns’ defense has improved under new coordinator Mike Rutenberg, shifting to more pressure and man coverage, which helped contain Mayfield in the last game.
- Carolina’s QB Bryce Young is considered talented despite his small stature and has shown growth over his first three seasons; the Browns will need to apply significant pressure to disrupt him.
- Cleveland’s running game and offensive line remain problematic, with poor rushing averages and run-blocking grades; coach Todd Monken has adjusted by incorporating more short passes and using Watson as a leading rusher.
