The Carolina Panthers face the Cleveland Browns this weekend as both teams look to go over .500 three games into the regular season.
This looks like a tougher game than analysts may be predicting, as Cleveland bolsters a tough, competitive group despite lacking talent in key areas. Carolina, on the other hand, is dealing with injuries that could affect their game plan for Sunday.
Despite that, the Panthers could have some daring individual efforts to help them in their pursuit of victory. Let’s dive into some bold predictions for Week 3.
Bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns
A.J. Dillon leads the team in rushing yards
With Jonathon Brooks being placed on injured reserve, the Panthers' backfield has a new look this weekend with AJ Dillon and Anthony Tyus behind starter Chuba Hubbard. Dillon flashed his power, balance, and impressive receiving prowess in the preseason against lesser competition.
Carolina has struggled to run the ball effectively this weekend. However, with Xavier Legette a game-time decision with a knee injury, I could see the Panthers leaning on heavier personnel packages such as 12 and 13 personnel to offset the loss of a key pass-catcher.
That means establishing the run early. As a result, Dillon comes in and averages nearly 7.3 yards per carry on 13 attempts, leading to momentum shifts and more play-action to allow Carolina’s struggling tackles to get into rhythm.
Panthers' defense creates four takeaways
The Browns' offense is all over the place to start the season, and it is unclear which offense the Panthers and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero will get this Sunday.
Either way, acquiring takeaways has been Carolina’s specialty to start the season, leading the NFL with six and a turnover margin of +3, tied for the league’s best. Against Deshaun Watson, the Panthers' powerful defensive front and aggressive pass rush could lead to more opportunities.
On Sunday, the takeaway total increased to 10 as the Panthers grabbed two interceptions on Watson, plus a strip sack. Also, for the third consecutive game, they forced a fumble on the opening drive.
The offensive line has its best day of the season
This unit has not been good, to say the least, through two games. It is still a young season, and the group could certainly improve, but nothing suggests that could happen.
Except it does this weekend.
Cleveland’s pass rush has been one of the worst in football, allowing the fifth-highest time to throw (2.99) and a 6.2 percent sack rate, according to Next Gen Stats. However, edge rusher Jared Verse is due to his Browns breakout performance, while Mason Graham is performing like the top-10 pick he was.
Fortunately, with an established run game by offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, the offensive line faces less pressure across the board, limiting Graham’s effectiveness and allowing quarterback Bryce Young to play efficiently on the way to a potential Panthers victory.
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