The Cleveland Browns did the unthinkable in Week 2 and overcame the odds to defeat the Bucs on the road. They enter their home opener at 1-1, and head coach Todd Monken records his first win as an NFL head coach.
All of that is now in the rearview mirror, though, as we turn the page to Week 3 for the Browns. It will be their first home game of the season, so it will carry some extra weight, and with it comes extra meaning.
The game between the Browns and Panthers is an interesting one, based on film and the numbers. That said, this game could go either way, so which matchups could make or break it? Here are three we're watching during Sunday's game.
Mason Graham vs. Panthers' Offensive Line
Mason Graham has been a monster to start the year for the Browns and their defense. Through two
games, Graham has racked up five defensive stops, four pressures, three tackles for a loss, and two sacks. He has consistently gotten into the backfield to create chaos, and against the Panthers, he will need to do that again. If he can get in the backfield, and the entire front can create pressure as they have, then this could lead to their second win of the season.
Quinshon Judkins vs. Panthers' Front Seven
We have highlighted the rough stretch that Judkins is on going back to last season several times this week. Earlier this week, I shared, "Judkins started the 2025 season averaging 4 yards per carry in the team's first eight games. In his final six games, he averaged just 2.95 yards per carry and is now averaging just 2.3."
The Panthers are giving up 6.3 yards per carry this season, which is the worst in the NFL through two weeks. If there is a game where Judkins can find his groove and make an impact, it is this one.
Deshaun Watson vs. The Fans
This may not make sense, but hear me out.
Deshaun Watson is clearly aware of his lack of popularity with Browns fans right now. He needs to overcome that in his own head and keep it in check. If he plays well, then everything will take care of itself with that relationship. However, if he has a rough game, he needs to practice a short-term memory approach to the game to keep the voices from getting too loud in his head.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: 3 Matchups to watch between the Browns and Panthers in Week 3
