4 ways Panthers QB Baker Mayfield can make his old team pay in Week 1

How can Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield make the Cleveland Browns pay when he goes up against his old team in Week 1?

Fate throws up wonderful scenarios sometimes. One such occasion arrives in Week 1 of the 2022 season when Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield takes the field for a pivotal contest against the Cleveland Browns.

Mayfield was drafted No. 1 overall by the Browns in 2018. This was followed by some ups and downs, but the signal-caller led Cleveland to their first playoff win since 1994 before a down year last time around resulted in his departure.

This has been dubbed the Mayfield revenge game. An instant chance for the Oklahoma product to prove his doubters wrong and generate some early momentum in a different environment.

With this in mind, here are four ways Mayfield can make his old team pay in Week 1.

Way No. 1

Carolina Panthers QB Baker Mayfield must remain calm under pressure

Despite strengthening the offensive line this spring, it would be a surprise if they held up on an every-down basis versus a Cleveland Browns defensive front led by Myles Garrett, who is widely regarded as one of the league’s best pass-rushers.

Baker Mayfield knows exactly what Garrett is capable of. And rookie Ikem Ekwonu is sure to get beaten on perhaps more than one occasion during the stiffest test imaginable on his competitive debut.

This makes it essential for Mayfield to remain composed in the pocket when pressure arrives and maneuver well enough to make plays consistently. If he can do this, the Panthers have a chance.