3 under-the-radar Panthers that must perform vs. the Browns in Week 1
By Dean Jones
Which under-the-radar Carolina Panthers players must perform during their crucial Week 1 encounter against the Cleveland Browns?
Gameday has finally arrived and the Carolina Panthers have a big chance to set the tone for a successful season against the Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium. A contest that brings extremely high stakes and many unknowns to further heighten the level of intrigue.
Baker Mayfield is the centerpiece given his trade from the Browns this offseason. But the Panthers know that it must be a collective effort to get their season off to the best possible start.
Everyone has a part to play. Hopefully, the increased depth, positional upgrades, and experienced coaches can provide the team with enough to get one over on a Cleveland club that is missing star quarterback Deshaun Watson through suspension.
With that being said, here are three under-the-radar Panthers players that must perform versus the Browns in Week 1.
Player No. 1
Damien Wilson – Carolina Panthers LB
Kevin Stefanski’s game plan isn’t that hard to figure out.
Stopping it is another matter entirely.
The Carolina Panthers can expect to see a heavy run scheme coupled with bootlegs and play-action when opportunities arise. This makes the front seven on defense a focal point in pursuit of limiting the influence of stud running back tandem Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
Damien Wilson is the starting middle linebacker – Carolina’s third in as many seasons since the great Luke Kuechly hung up his cleats. The free-agent signing has some questions to answer in coverage, but his gap discipline against the run and ability to wrap up opposing runners could play a big part when it’s all said and done.
If Wilson can make his presence felt, then it’s going to assist enormously alongside the dynamic outside linebacker duo of Shaq Thompson and Frankie Luvu.