The Cleveland Browns were victorious in their first preseason game, defeating the Carolina Panthers 30–10.
Going into this game, all eyes were on rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. He led three scoring drives, including two passing touchdowns—both to wide receiver Kaden Davis. Sanders finished 14-for-23 for 138 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 19 rushing yards on four carries.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley entered the game, in relief of Sanders, leading two scoring drives of his own, finishing 6-for-8 for 51 yards and a touchdown, along with 10 rushing yards on six carries.
Overall, the offense looked like a classic Kevin Stefanski-led unit— empty sets out of heavy personnel, plenty of play action, and bootlegs galore, paired with a solid run game. The Browns also went back to their roots and won the time of possession battle, while forcing two turnovers. If the Browns are to have any success this season, winning time of possession and the turnover battle is a must.
Unfortunately, the lack of production from the skill position players was noticeable. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. did not record a catch. Second-year receiver Jamari Thrash, last year’s fourth-round pick, had just two catches for nine yards. Davis, mentioned earlier, finished with three catches for 23 yards. Rookie wideout Cade McDonald contributed two catches for 11 yards and a touchdown.
Training camp standout rookie undrafted free agent Luke Floriea made a spectacular one-handed catch for 30 yards but injured his hamstring on the play, ending his day late in the first half. Fellow UDFA wide receiver Gage Larvadain had two catches for 23 yards and a rushing touchdown on a jet sweep, but like Floriea, he exited early with a leg injury and was seen in the blue medical tent. Larvadain showed some promise. He’s got “it” and I’m excited to see more of him baring the injury being something long-term.
In the backfield, undrafted free agent Ahmani Marshall flashed at times, as did Toa Tara and Trayveon Williams. Fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson had two carries for six yards. As a whole, the Browns’ rushing attack produced 125 yards and one touchdown.
The backup offensive line held up well. Most notably veterans Teven Jenkins and Cornelius Lucas along with second year player Luke Wypler. Essentially cementing their roster spots on the 53-man roster.
Onto the defense.
It was only a few drives, but defensive end Alex Wright looked like a man on a mission. Last season, he was poised for a breakout year before suffering a Week 2 injury. Against Carolina’s starting offense, he was in the backfield multiple times and recorded a sack.
Rookie Mason Graham was double-teamed on nearly every pass play, and the entire defensive line shined. Sam Kamara and Julian Okwara (two sacks) stood out, as did Isaiah McGuire. Even rookie Adin Huntington impressed, making plays on kick coverage and recording a sack. This unit is by far the strength of this team heading into 2025 season.
The linebacker room was a major question mark coming in. With Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah out indefinitely and Jordan Hicks retiring just before camp, the Browns are counting on young players early.
Rookie Carson Schwesinger led the team with six tackles and flew around the field. Nathaniel Watson and Winston Reid chipped in four tackles each, while veterans Jerome Baker had one tackle and Devin Bush was not listed in the box score and didn’t do anything noticeable.
Still, the linebackers played fast and decisive, which is all you can ask from such an inexperienced group.
The defensive backfield remains thin. Nine-year veteran Rayshawn Jenkins was ejected in the second drive after a skirmish with a Panthers player. Safeties Chris Edmonds and Nik Needham made the most of their chances—Edmonds recorded four tackles, and Needham snagged an interception that set up Sanders’ final touchdown drive.
Veteran corner Tony Brown played deep into the fourth quarter. Known for his special team play, he showed flashes where I wouldn’t be opposed to him playing some snaps if push came to shove.
That said, the cornerback depth is still a concern. Cameron Mitchell, Myles Harden, and Chigozie Anusiem failed to stand out, despite reports from camp that they’ve been struggling.