“I’m not going to sit here and be a robot and tell you that’s not one I’ve marked on the calendar already” – Baker Mayfield on his Week One match-up with the Cleveland Browns
This is what Baker Mayfield wanted…and needed. Ever since the Browns cast the fourth-year quarterback away in favor of Deshaun Watson, Mayfield has been taking advantage of his new start in Charlotte and quietly plotting his “revenge.” This is Mayfield’s fuel. He wants his doubters, naysayers, and critics to keep the same energy after being proved wrong. Former Oklahoma Coach Lincoln Riley once said the chip on Mayfield’s shoulder is as big as the 1,800-square-foot OU coach’s office.
His 34-6 record at OU was steeped in proving naysayers wrong. His seven-touchdown performance against his former Texas Tech squad was the most prolific example of using the possibility of revenge to his advantage.
While this motivation has served Mayfield well, how much should he lean into it against his former team? Here are three keys to a Carolina week one win?
Playing Within The Offense
The drive and need for revenge is fuel for Mayfield, but it can be consuming to the point of backfiring. The Panthers are still adjusting to a new offense and while it’s tempting for Mayfield to just “Air It Out,” the Panthers might be better off harnessing Baker and meshing his energy with the offense – making the right reads and not forcing anything. Mayfield was in Cleveland for four years, he knows where and how to attack the Browns’ defense. Expect a smart game from Carolina’s QB1.
No Fear For Ekwonu
Rookie left tackle Ikem Ekwonu will have his most challenging assignment in the first game of his NFL career when he faces Browns’ all-pro defensive end Myles Garrett. Last season, Garrett set the Browns’ sack record at 16. He’s a handful for the most skilled offensive lineman. With that said, Ekwonu will have to play with no fear. He shouldn’t be worried about Garrett beating him in a series – that’s going to happen. Ekwonu will make mistakes and miss assignments. What’s important is him coming in and playing his game. There should be no second guesses and letting this game, regardless of his performance, help him in his progress.
Defending The Run
Cleveland’s Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are a tough backfield duo, but the Panthers’ rush defense is more than up for the challenge. Look for the Panthers to load up against the run in their 4-3 package. What the Panthers need to be mindful of also is defending on thrid down. The Browns will be more than willing to test Carolina’s pass rush on thrid down. It wouldn’t hurt to trust that the secondary can get stops instead of having them around as auxilary linebackers in a thrid down blitz.