Cleveland hosts Carolina Sunday at 1 p.m. in its home opener, facing an offense averaging 35.5 points per game. The Browns’ run game averaged 1.9 yards per carry against Tampa Bay; Deshaun Watson makes his first regular-season home start since Oct. 20, 2024.
Carolina averages 312.5 passing yards and has 10 pass plays of at least 20 yards, second-most in the league. Cleveland has allowed six such completions through two games but has not allowed a 300-yard passer in 47 consecutive games. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg said the team is working to improve its execution week to week.
After averaging four yards per carry in Week 1, Cleveland’s top back Quinshon Judkins is at 2.3 through two games, and Watson leads the team in rushing. Offensive coordinator Travis Switzer said he is examining the run game’s scheme and execution. Watson’s previous regular-season home game was when he suffered his first of two Achilles tendon injuries. With fans’ reaction to his return a talking point, head coach Todd Monken said Watson had his best practice week and that his confidence should be at an all-time high.
