Browns Face Panthers
Browns Host Carolina Panthers While Seeking Breakthrough for Stalled Rushing Attack
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Key Points
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Carolina’s Week 1 loss to Chicago was high-scoring despite the defeat: the Panthers put up 37 points and 478 total yards, but three turnovers—including two lost fumbles—contributed to their 59-37 loss.
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Cleveland is looking for more from rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for 827 yards and seven touchdowns in 14 starts last season and was drafted as a potential eventual successor to Nick Chubb.
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Watson completed 24 of 30 passes against Tampa Bay without throwing an interception and was sacked twice, down from five times in Cleveland’s opener. Monken said he views Watson as a young player who can continue to grow.
The Cleveland Browns host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday looking to improve to 2-1 after Deshaun Watson threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-19 win over Tampa Bay. Todd Monken earned his first NFL head-coaching victory in that game, but Washington Post reports there is intrigue surrounding how Browns fans will react to Watson at home.
Cleveland's run game remains stuck in neutral with just 131 rushing yards on 45 carries through two games. The Panthers allowed 291 rushing yards in Week 1 but tightened up to hold Atlanta to 68 yards in their Week 2 win, presenting a potential opportunity for the Browns' ground attack.
Watson's Best Game Yet Lacks Run Game Support
Watson completed 24 of 30 passes against Tampa Bay without throwing an interception and was sacked only twice, down from five sacks in Cleveland's Week 1 loss. Monken said he views Watson as a young player who can continue to grow, according to Sports Illustrated. The quarterback's strong performance wasn't enough to fully mask the offense's ground game struggles.
Carolina's Defense Unpredictable After Dominating and Faltering
The Panthers put up 37 points and 478 total yards in their Week 1 loss to Chicago but committed three turnovers—including two lost fumbles—in the 59-37 defeat. Just one week later, Carolina's defense shut down Atlanta's rushing attack, holding the Falcons to 68 yards on the ground. This inconsistency means Cleveland cannot bank on facing a struggling run defense.
Judkins Expected to Step Up as Chubb Era Ends
Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins rushed for 827 yards and seven touchdowns in 14 starts last season and was drafted as a potential successor to Nick Chubb. The Browns will honor Chubb before the game as he retires as a franchise legend with rushing yards and touchdowns that rank third in team history. Judkins must deliver more carries moving forward to keep pace offensively.
Campbell's Ankle and Hip Injuries to Be Monitored
Cornerback Tyson Campbell left the Tampa Bay game with ankle and hip injuries. His availability will be monitored throughout the week as Cleveland prepares for its home opener. The defense will need Campbell healthy to contain Carolina's passing attack and keep Watson's workload manageable.
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