Browns aim to extend recent win in season opener against Panthers
The Cleveland Browns, now 1-1, will host the Carolina Panthers after a narrow victory over Tampa Bay, with quarterback Deshaun Watson and a revamped defense under new coordinator Mike Rutenberg expected to play key roles.
Cleveland will host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday as the Browns look to build on their 23-19 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a lightning delay halted the Buccaneers with two minutes left and a potential game-winning drive, Cleveland held on and earned its first victory of the season, improving to 1-1 after a loss in Jacksonville.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson, who struggled in the opening loss but delivered a strong performance in Tampa Bay, is expected to lead the offense again. Watson completed eight of nine passes in the fourth quarter of the Buccaneers game and has connected twice with rookie receiver Denzel Boston for touchdowns this season.
Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg has made adjustments, shifting the unit toward more pressure and man-to-man coverage, which helped contain former Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield in the recent win. The Browns will need to sustain that pressure against a Panthers team that blitzes on a majority of plays.
The Browns' offensive line, composed of five new starters, has shown solid pass-blocking but continues to struggle in run blocking, ranking near the bottom of the league according to Pro Football Focus. Running back Quinshon Judkins has faced difficulty gaining yards, and the team has averaged just 2.8 yards per carry.
Head coach Todd Monken emphasized the importance of consistent performance, noting that the team celebrated the Buccaneers win but must now focus on the next challenge. "What every fan wants is good football, a chance to win and be proud of their team," Monken said.
Analysts project a close contest, with the Browns favored to win by a single score as they seek to establish momentum early in the season.