5 Bold Cleveland Browns predictions for Week 1 against Panthers

4. Browns defense ruins Mayfield’s revenge game

This past week has been another typical controversial week from Baker Mayfield. Cleveland’s former signal-caller denied saying a few choice words about the upcoming game and then he started promoting his departure from his old squad by selling “off the leash” t-shirts. Again, it seems as though Mayfield needs to create such noise to get himself fired up for games.

This is a big meeting for both teams and many are predicting Mayfield is going to beat his former team. However, the Browns have several advantages on defense. That includes defensive end Myles Garrett, who’s ready for another record-setting season. He had 16.5 sacks a season ago and he will look to get an early start against Mayfield.

The Browns secondary wants to start the season well and they have a talented group back there that can have a great game against their former teammate. Cornerbacks Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome, and newly drafted Martin Emerson will be ready for those targeted throws Mayfield likes to throw when he locks in on a particular player.

Mayfield has had issues with throwing interceptions, especially last season when he threw 13 of them. What a better way for Cleveland to get off on the right foot by getting an early interception or two.