The last time the Carolina Panthers had a winning record, running back Christian McCaffrey was a workhorse in the running and passing game. (Charlotte Observer)
Cleveland Browns scouting report: Carolina Panthers
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is an analyst on the Cleveland Browns for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Browns v. Carolina Panthers
Sunday, 1 p.m., in Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, NC
Record: 5-12 (2021).
Last game: Defeated Buffalo Bills, 21-0, Aug. 26, in Charlotte.
Coach: Matt Rhule, 10-23, third year.
Series record: Panthers lead, 4-2.
Last meeting: Browns won, 26-20, Dec. 9, 2018, in Cleveland.
League rankings: Offense was 30th overall (20th rushing, 29th passing), defense was second overall (18th rushing, second passing) and turnover differential was minus-13 (2021).
Things to watch
1. While Baker Mayfield commands the most media attention, the player that fuels the offense is Christian McCaffrey. The last year he wasn’t injured, McCaffrey joined the 1,000-1,000 club – 1,387 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns plus 1,005 receiving yards and 4 passing TDs. But that was three years ago. The last two seasons, McCaffrey missed 23 games because of five different injuries. McCaffrey averaged 309 touches of the ball his first three seasons, and they took a toll on the 5-11, 205-pounder. While fearless, his body isn’t cut out for that workload. McCaffrey is healthy now and his practice reps were managed in training camp. There is a feeling the new Ben McAdoo-coordinated offense could morph McCaffrey into a glorified slot receiver and cede the rushing load to downhill runner D’Onta Foreman.
2. Mayfield’s feistiness and swagger has been a godsend to coach Matt Rhule and the team. Predecessor Sam Darnold was such a flatliner, you needed a mirror to check if he was breathing. Rhule tried to light a fire under Darnold, but it never ignited. The Panthers might not realize, however, Mayfield’s capability of getting too amped up for a game. Many times that happened in his Browns’ career, resulting in sailing, high-speed throws lacking touch.
3. You would think the Panthers would take advantage of the proven chemistry between Mayfield and free agent receiver Rashard Higgins forged in their four seasons together in Cleveland. In three preseason games, however, Higgins took a backseat to 2021 sixth-round pick Shi Smith as the slot receiver. The Panthers might want to rethink that.
4. The Panthers’ defense was 25th in sack percentage last year and they lost their best pass rusher, Haason Reddick, to the Eagles in free agency. The strength of the defense is the secondary, where they field four first- and second-round draft picks among their top five defensive backs. But those guys can’t cover forever, and if defensive coordinator Phil Snow can’t manufacture a pass rush, the Panthers will not duplicate last season’s No. 2 overall ranking in yards allowed.
5. Snow refers to linebacker Frankie Luvo and safety Jeremy Chinn as his “chess pieces.” He moves them to different places from play to play. They can be used interchangeably as blitzers or in coverage, so recognizing where they’re at is incumbent on quarterback Jacoby Brissett to avoid negative plays.
Did you know … ?
1. The Browns have played the Panthers only six times. That’s the fewest meetings of any Browns’ opponent in history. The Browns’ only wins against the Panthers were by 1 point (2010) and 6 points (2018).
2. The Panthers upgraded their offensive line with three moves. They used the sixth overall pick in the draft on left tackle Ikem Ekwonu of North Carolina State. They signed former Browns-turned-Rams right guard Austin Corbett in free agency. And they bumped 2021 third-round pick Brady Christensen from tackle to left guard.
3. Carolina is paying only $4.85 million of Mayfield’s 2022 salary; the Browns are paying $10.5 million. (Mayfield agreed to a $3.5 million pay-cut to make the trade to the Panthers happen.) Sure, it’s a bargain for the Panthers. But they hardly deserve any kudos. They’re paying Sam Darnold $18.858 million as Mayfield’s backup. Plus, Darnold’s out a minimum of four weeks with a high ankle sprain.
4. The Panthers consider this a prove-it year for Mayfield. There are no guarantees beyond this season. In a best-case scenario for Carolina, Mayfield will lead the Panthers out of the abyss and save Rhule from being fired. If that were to happen, they would surely consider a new contract. Anything less than a .500 season, Rhule will be gone after his third year and Mayfield will hit the free-agent market in 2023.
5. Austin Corbett was drafted for the Browns by former GM John Dorsey with the 33rd overall pick in 2018. Dorsey had another choice two picks later and selected Nick Chubb. Prior to the 2019 trade deadline, Dorsey dealt Corbett to the Rams for a fifth-round pick in 2021. That pick was used on safety Richard LeCounte. In 2021, Corbett started all 17 regular-season games for the Rams and three in the postseason to earn a Super Bowl championship ring. In March, he took advantage of free agency and signed a three-year contract for $26.25 million with the Panthers.
Small world: Former Browns include Mayfield, Higgins, Corbett and offensive lineman Cameron Erving … Former Browns assistant coaches include assistant head coach Al Holcomb, offensive line coach James Campen, secondary coach Steve Wilks, special teams coordinator Chris Tabor, and passing game specialist Matt Lombardi (former Browns scout) … Bruce Speight, vice president of communications, was a Browns PR intern.
