Through two games, the Carolina Panthers offense looks better than it has in quite a while. But this week, they're going to get a much different look—as they go on the road to face the Cleveland Browns, who play a man-heavy defense as opposed to the zone-heavy teams they've played against to this point.
Meanwhile, Carolina's defense showed some flashes of brilliance in Week 2 after getting destroyed by the Chicago Bears in the season opener.
Let's take a look at four key matchups that will help decide Sunday's game . . .
Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard vs. Browns LB Carson Schwesinger
The Panthers haven't run the ball much yet this year, but they have done it well. As quarterback Bryce Young faces a tight man coverage pass defense, this could be an ideal time to let Hubbard run wild against a Browns defense that
ranks 26th against the rush going in.
Hubbard's primary opponent will be Cleveland's lead tackler and defensive centerpiece, Carson Schwesinger—the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan vs. Browns CB Denzel Ward
If Jalen Coker (ankle) does play, he may not be at 100 percent—making it all the more important that the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year continues his strong start. However, he will be facing the toughest one-on-one matchup of his young pro career.
Expect the Browns to have superstar corner Denzel Ward shadowing McMillan. Ward is a five-time Pro Bowler with 18 career interceptions and has only allowed a 55.6 passer rating this season. The 6-foot-5, 212-pound McMillan does have a significant size advantage over the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Ward, though.
Panthers DT Derrick Brown vs. Browns RG Austin Barber
On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Derrick Brown has an intriguing matchup at the line of scrimmage. Former Florida guard Austin Barber has been forced into Cleveland's starting lineup right away as a rookie due to an injury for starter Teven Jenkins. Barber has seemingly acquitted himself well so far, but Brown represents a very formidable challenge.
The Browns will have to neutralize Brown if they want to get their ground game, headlined by second-year running back Quinshon Judkins, going.
Panthers LB Bobby Okereke vs. Browns TE Harold Fannin Jr.
The reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week Devin Lloyd has been ruled out of this contest due to a calf injury. That leaves Bobby Okereke as the green-dot 'backer for this one.
Okereke was outshined by Lloyd last week in Atlanta, but he also had a very strong game. This week, he and fellow starter Tyrel Dodson will have to contend with tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who's become a big part of the Browns' passing offense. Fannin has the second-most receiving yards (75) on the team behind rookie wideout Denzel Boston.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Key matchups for Panthers vs. Browns in Week 3
