It’s here! Week 1 of the 2022 season for the Cleveland Browns. The team aims to improve on their underwhelming 8-9 season this year, but standing in their way today are the Carolina Panthers. And they are led by none other than Baker Mayfield, former #1 Draft pick, and Browns quarterback for the past four seasons. I’m not going to delve into the situation surrounding Baker and the Browns organization. But I will say this: It’s a revenge game for him. Oh, he’ll be a professional in front of the media and say it’s just another game. But in the locker room? You’d better believe he’s got a Texas-sized chip on his shoulder. And that concerns me. Baker always seems to play better when he’s either doubted or disrespected.
We all know Baker struggled last year. He threw just 17 touchdowns to 13 interceptions, and many of those interceptions came at the worst times. But what we’ll truly start to see today, is whether the injury to his shoulder and labrum were partially to blame for his subpar or bad play, or whether it was just a down year. He’s fully healthy and ready to go.
Even though the Panthers were 5-12 last season, and are probably still in rebuilding mode, Mayfield does have a number of offensive weapons at his disposal. The biggest of these weapons will be running back Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey has only played 10 games in the last two seasons due to injuries, but when he’s healthy, he’s a dynamic player. The Browns will have to key in on him to stop the run. If not? The defense could be in for a long afternoon.
Along with McCaffrey, The Browns need to keep wide receiver DJ Moore locked down as well. That will be Denzel Ward’s job. Last season, Moore caught 93 passes for 1,157 yards and four touchdowns, so he’ll definitely be Mayfield’s favorite target and security blanket if he’s given time to throw. Robbie Anderson also figures prominently into the Panthers’ offensive scheme as well, since he caught 53 passes for 519 yards and eight touchdowns. The cupboard certainly isn’t empty for Carolina in terms of offensive firepower.
For the Browns, they’ll likely use a similar gameplan to what they’ve used last season, especially with Jacoby Brissett starting at quarterback for the next 11 games, which is: Manage the game, limit mistakes, run the football, and get a good pass rush going on defense. If that’s all in place, it’ll allow the corners and safeties opportunities to make plays on the ball. This leads into my Keys to Victory.
Shut down McCaffrey/Get Chubb going:
The Browns and Panthers look like they’re mirror images of each other, and this probably has something to do with them having quarterbacks who are both game managers. The first key to victory will definitely be to take away the main offensive weapon: Their star running back. I view both Christian McCaffrey and Nick Chubb as like the “motor” or “heart” of both offenses. Take away a car’s motor, and it’s not going anywhere. The Browns will need to get Chubb going from the outset of the game. I expect him to get at least 20 carries today, since he’s splitting time with Kareem Hunt. Both of these guys form arguably the best backfield in the entire league. In 2021, Chubb averaged a stout 5.5 yards per carry, while running for 1,259 yards and eight touchdowns. Hunt on the other hand, averaged 4.9 yards per carry, while running for 386 yard and five touchdowns.
Get the pass rush going
This one is arguably just as important for the Browns. When he was still in Cleveland, Baker Mayfield was at his most dangerous when he had time to either sit back in the pocket and throw, or especially when he was able to roll out of the pocket and uncork a deep bomb to an open wide receiver. The pass rush and containment will be absolutely critical for the Browns. Look for Myles Garrett to lead the way here. Last season, Garret had 16 sacks, and that’s what I’d consider a “down year” for one of the league’s absolute best pass rushers. If he can generate pressure along with Jadeveon Clowney and others to make Mayfield uncomfortable, it wouldn’t surprise me if he started making mistakes. Most quarterbacks make mistakes when under pressure, but Baker Mayfield is infamous for that. Some quarterbacks become more dangerous when pressured. But Baker Mayfield has never been one of them.
Limit the big play in the secondary
This one makes me nervous. I know the Browns can run the ball on offense, and I definitely know they can get after quarterbacks. But it has been infuriating watching the secondary at times. In 2020 I gave them a pass, since Joe Woods was a brand new defensive coordinator, and didn’t have the players he wanted in order to make his scheme work. But even after last season, they’ve been known to give up big plays through the air. Woods also has a habit of playing the cornerbacks way too far off the ball. He doesn’t play opposing receivers “tight” enough. He needs to occasionally play the defensive backs closer to the receivers. Especially in situations where the pass rush is working. If the pass rush is working, it’ll allow the Browns to pin their ears back and be more aggressive in all phases of the defensive game, including coverage. Maybe tossing in an unexpected blitz with the safety occasionally coming after Mayfield wouldn’t hurt either.
The 2022 season is here, ladies and gentleman! And we get an interesting season opener to kick things off! Will the Browns shut down Mayfield and a scrappy Panthers squad? Or will the former Browns signal caller have the last laugh against his old team? Find out at 1 PM on CBS! GO BROWNS!
Sources: NFL on YouTube, panthers.com
Picture Credit: clutchpoints.com
Comments