5 most important Carolina Panthers players in Week 1 vs. Browns

Who are the most vital players to the Carolina Panthers as they look to begin their 2022 season with victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 1?

Week 1 is fast approaching and the first true test of this new look Carolina Panthers team is coming with it. There was a lot of change in the offseason but it remains to be seen whether or not these moves will pan out.

After all, there was a lot of hype for last year and we know where that got us.

However, the team was arguably more competent this offseason – both from a hiring and scouting perspective – leading to what looks to be a much more solid group across the board with few glaring weaknesses.

While some, including myself, were skeptical about the hiring of Ben McAdoo as the new offensive coordinator, that move seems to be a wise bit of business by the Panthers as for the most part the offense has looked solid with a few minor hiccups. Even if this is to be expected with a new scheme.

The special teams also looked much improved until another heartbreaking injury ended the season of talented kicker Zane Gonzalez. Not to mention the offensive line seems capable of at least stopping a particularly strong breeze this season.

This all leads up to a truly exciting matchup in Week 1 with storylines galore and what should be a hotly contested match. A Cleveland Browns team looking to keep the ship afloat without its new quarterback against a Panthers squad that thinks it has finally found its quarterback of the future.

All in all, there is reason to be excited for Panthers football in 2022. While one player does not a team make, there are a few that can make or break Baker Mayfield’s revenge game in Week 1.

So with that said, what are the most vital players for the Panthers in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season?