There is a lot to be excited about with this Carolina Panthers squad heading into their contest against the Cleveland Browns. However, this already feels like a crucial game ahead of a prime-time matchup and a bye week on consecutive weekends.
Understandably, both teams will feel nervous, each in different ways. For the Panthers, this game is a chance to do something they have struggled to do for years: win the games they are supposed to win.
If they can, it shows just how much the tide has turned for head coach Dave Canales' squad.
Why Week 3 is so critical for the Carolina Panthers in Cleveland
For a team as well-rounded as the Panthers, this should be an "easy" victory. Canales and the boys in their white jerseys and process blue pants will tell you otherwise; there is no "easy" win for any team, and Sunday could be the case.
The Browns are coming off an impressive win over the Panthers' division rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where quarterback Deshaun Watson had his best game in six years. Carolina has struggled against mobile quarterbacks so far this season, which adds to the anxiety.
Carolina, on the other hand, is coming off an impressive triumph of their own — a bashing of arch-rival the Atlanta Falcons. Second-team All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd had the game of his life, and quarterback Bryce Young continued his amazing start to the year.
Unfortunately, Lloyd will be out this weekend with a calf injury.
While I have confidence in Carolina's talent level over Cleveland's, this matchup admittedly makes me uneasy, particularly because of quarterback containment, offensive line play, and an inefficient run game.
Having veteran edge rusher Patrick Jones II back in the fold helps the Panthers in the first bullet point, but I have been vocal about my concerns about the offensive line play, specifically at the tackle spots, while the run game has yet to be as effective as expected.
Though it is hard to ease off of a hot signal-caller like Young, who leads the league in passing touchdowns through two weeks.
Motivated Browns could be a challenging test for the Carolina Panthers
Cleveland will honor retired running back Nick Chubb during the game, and this could also be Watson's last chance to prove himself. The Browns have a defensive front that could give the Panthers problems, along with a stingy secondary featuring talent like five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward.
A motivated Browns team could make for a closer game than many expect.
How offensive coordinator Brad Idzik adjusts to potentially more man coverage from Cleveland to help Young and establish an effective run game is an interesting storyline to watch.
Furthermore, Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero must stay aggressive, as he has, while emphasizing containment to keep the Browns offense one-dimensional.
It may sound simple, but Cleveland will be a tough outing at home as a program eager to perform better for its fans.
Beating the Browns in their home opener is the type of game Carolina should win. And they must, especially if they want to keep momentum going ahead of Sunday Night Football in Charlotte against the Detroit Lions.
It wouldn't be a signature win, but starting the first three games with a winning record would show signs that the Panthers may finally be turning the corner.
Until that happens, get ready for a battle in Cleveland, Ohio.
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