By David Rogers. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It was only a preseason football game between the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers but there were a few storylines:
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- Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders looked like he belonged and may have strengthened his cause in the team’s 5-way, 2025 quarterback competition with Joe Flacco (resting), Kenny Pickett (injury), Dillon Gabriel (injury) and Deshaun Watson (injury). Flacco is likely to be the Week 1 starter, but Sanders made a good case for the backup role.
- For the most part, Sanders looked decisive whether throwing quickly or scrambling out of trouble, completing 14 of 23 pass attempts for 138 yards and 2 TDs. He showed poise in the pocket but stood out when throwing on the run.
- For the Panthers, starting QB Bryce Young and rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan looked like they have established a healthy connection, including a 30-yard pass along the right sideline, perfectly thrown over the outstretched arms of the defender.
- Cleveland won, 30-10, which means relatively little in a preseason game. A key statistic that stood out: turnovers. Cleveland didn’t suffer any, Carolina 2, one an interception and the other a turnover on downs.
- Take away the turnovers by the offense and the Carolina defense played well enough to keep the game much closer. That said, with Sanders playing the first three quarters for Cleveland, the Carolina defense, overall, gave up 308 yards of total net offense and allowed the Browns to score successfully on 4-of-5 trips into the red zone.
