There are a lot of unknowns about the Cleveland Browns going into today’s matchup with the Carolina Panthers. Many of the starters have played little to no time during preseason games, the offense started some transformations throughout the offseason and the defense is looking to build on last year.
All going against the team’s former starting quarterback, Baker Mayfield.
One of the biggest question marks is at quarterback. Jacoby Brissett is set to lead the team for the first 11 games of the season. His limited action in preseason saw him go 13-23 for 109 yards and an interception. He was hurt by a couple of drops by Anthony Schwartz and the offense failed to get into a rhythm with him.
It will be interesting if HC Kevin Stefanski deploys more empty set formation, something we saw in practices and preseason, to try to get more explosive plays from his offense. No matter what, Brissett has to try to get the ball out of his hands quicker than he did last year in Miami:
Jacoby Brissett was sacked on 7.8% percent of dropbacks last season. pic.twitter.com/SaLIGbTofj
— Michael Rimmer (@AVL_Mike) September 7, 2022
While Cleveland’s offensive line is (appropriately) lauded for its talent, Ethan Pocic steps in as the team’s new center while Jack Conklin is returning from a serious knee injury last year.
Conklin is questionable for today’s game which could make things more difficult for Brissett.
As seen above, Carolina’s best defender comes off the edge quickly. DE Brian Burns had nine sacks each of the last two seasons. The Browns should be able to send more help against Burns as the Panthers lost their leading sacker, Haason Reddick, in free agency this year.
Brissett tends to hold on to the ball to make sure he’s not going to turn the ball over. He plays the quarterback position safely which, with a great run game and defense, fits Cleveland’s talent. If he can avoid a few more sacks while still staying safe with the ball, the visitors have a great chance of coming away with a victory down in Carolina.
