Browns vs. Panthers: 3 big storylines for Week 1

In Week 1, the Cleveland Browns will travel to Charlotte to take on the Carolina Panthers. Here we look at the three biggest storylines ahead of that showdown.

It’s finally here, Week 1 of the 2022 NFL Season. The Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills will kick things off on Thursday, Sept. 8 and then a few days later, the Cleveland Browns will play their opener on the road against the Carolina Panthers.

That game will have no shortage of storylines for the Browns, who are again looking to start 1-0 for the first time since 2004. There’s much more to talk about outside of that as these two teams prepare to meet on Sept. 11. Here’s a look at three things we’ll be talking about leading up to kickoff and throughout the game.

Browns vs. Panthers: 3 big storylines for Week 1

3. Will the offensive line be ready?

Over the past two seasons, the offensive line has been one of the biggest strengths for Cleveland, with the interior of that line being one of the best in the game. This year, things could be different with J.C. Tretter no longer starting at center.

They felt Nick Harris was ready to take over but he was lost on the second snap of their first preseason game and they now turn to Ethan Pocic. The former Seattle starter might not be the only reserve with Jack Conklin not guaranteed for Week 1.

Cleveland did add Joe Haeg for some depth but it’s probably going to be James Hudson playing right tackle in the opener if Conklin can’t suit up. Haeg has spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers and serves as a decent swing tackle option should Hudson continue to struggle the way he did as a rookie.

Having said that, Carolina’s defensive line can cause problems with Brian Burns, Yetur Gross-Matos, Derrick Brown, and Matt Ioannidis as the starting four. The Browns will need their offensive line to be ready in this one, or it could be a long day for Jacoby Brissett.