4 reasons the Carolina Panthers will beat the Browns in Week 1
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers have difference-makers on defense
The Cleveland Browns are moving forward with Jacoby Brissett as their starter for the first 11 games. While the signal-caller has talent, some serious flaws can be exposed by the Carolina Panthers given the difference-makers they possess on defense.
Weather conditions are going to make things difficult for both teams on Sunday. Heavy rain is anticipated, so there might be plenty of turnover opportunities that the Panthers must take advantage of.
Kevin Stefanski deploys a run-heavy scheme with a lot of play-action. This system hasn’t changed all that much from his days as Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator and the Browns have the personnel to pull it off with aplomb.
With that being said, the Panthers shouldn’t fear Brissett. But performing in the trenches is the only way Carolina’s exceptional secondary gets the chances needed to turn this game on its head.
The return of Jaycee Horn provides a man-cover cornerback capable of shutting down Amari Cooper. There is also athleticism across the board that Phil Snow can use in a multitude of ways to restrict the Browns from moving the chains.
Stopping the run is crucial. If Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have their way behind a stout offensive line, then it’s not hard to see where the problems could emerge.