Cleveland Browns vs. Carolina Panthers: 2025 NFL Preseason Week 1 Recap

On August 8, 2025, the Cleveland Browns kicked off their 2025 NFL preseason campaign with a decisive 30-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game, which started at 7:00 p.m. ET, was a showcase for Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, whose debut performance stole the spotlight. With both teams looking to rebound from challenging 2024 seasons—Cleveland at 3-14 and Carolina at 5-12—this preseason opener offered important information about their respective rebuilding efforts. Below is a comprehensive recap of the game, including key updates, highlights, and analysis, based on live coverage and post-game reports.

Game Overview

The Browns entered the 2025 preseason with a crowded quarterback room and a focus on evaluating young talent, particularly Shedeur Sanders, a fifth-round draft pick from Colorado. The Panthers, in their second year under coach Dave Canales, aimed to build on the late-season promise shown by quarterback Bryce Young in 2024. The game was broadcast nationally on NFL Network, with local coverage on WEWS-TV in Cleveland and Queen City News (WJZY) in Charlotte. Fans could also stream the game on Fubo (with a free trial) and NFL+.

Key Storylines

Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Debut: With Kenny Pickett and rookie Dillon Gabriel sidelined by hamstring injuries, and veteran Joe Flacco rested, Sanders was thrust into the starting role. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski planned for Sanders to play approximately 50 snaps, offering a significant opportunity to prove his worth after slipping to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft due to reported concerns about his attitude and professionalism.
Panthers’ Starters vs. Browns’ Reserves: While the Panthers played several starters, including Bryce Young for a few series, the Browns rested most of their veteran starters, including Deshaun Watson, Myles Garrett, David Njoku, and the entire starting offensive line. This gave Cleveland’s rookies and fringe players a chance to shine against a more experienced Panthers lineup.
Joint Practice Context: The teams held a joint practice in Charlotte prior to the game, providing additional context for their performance. Reports from the practice highlighted strong showings from Sanders, Flacco, and Tyler Huntley, setting the stage for the preseason opener.

Game Updates and Highlights

First Quarter

The game started slowly, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. The Browns’ first drive ended in a three-and-out, but punter Corey Bojorquez pinned the Panthers at their own 7-yard line with a 62-yard punt. The Panthers capitalized first, with Bryce Young leading a drive that culminated in a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Coker, giving Carolina a 7-0 lead.

However, a critical turning point came when Panthers running back Trevor Etienne muffed a punt, and Browns linebacker Nathaniel Watson recovered the ball at the Carolina 10-yard line. This set up Sanders’ first NFL touchdown, a 7-yard pass to wide receiver Kaden Davis that tied the game at 7-7. Sanders showcased his pinpoint accuracy, threading the ball between two defenders for the score.

Second Quarter

The Browns’ defense began to assert dominance, with defensive ends Alex Wright and Julian Okwara recording sacks on Young and Andy Dalton, respectively, forcing three-and-outs. Offensively, Sanders found his groove, connecting with wide receiver Luke Floriea on a spectacular one-handed catch for a 30-yard gain, moving Cleveland into Panthers territory. Two plays later, Sanders and Davis linked up again for a second touchdown, giving the Browns a 14-7 lead.

Third Quarter

The Browns continued their momentum. Safety Nik Needham intercepted Andy Dalton, setting up Cleveland’s offense at the Carolina 43-yard line. Six plays later, wide receiver Gage Larvadain scored on a 4-yard end-around, extending the Browns’ lead to 21-7. A 25-yard pass from Sanders to tight end Brenden Bates helped set up the score. The Browns’ defense added pressure with a sack from rookie defensive end Adin Huntington, stifling Carolina’s offense.

Fourth Quarter

Tyler Huntley, who replaced Sanders late in the third quarter, led two scoring drives. His first drive resulted in a 23-yard field goal by kicker Dustin Hopkins, making the score 24-7. Huntley’s second drive featured a 19-yard pass to tight end Sal Cannella, setting up a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Cade McDonald. Huntley sealed the game with three consecutive kneel-downs, securing the 30-10 final score. Huntley finished 6-for-8 with 51 passing yards and a touchdown.

Final Score

Cleveland Browns: 30
Carolina Panthers: 10

Key Performances

Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders (QB): In his NFL debut, Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, throwing two touchdowns without an interception. He also added 19 rushing yards on four attempts, showing poise and mobility. His ability to connect with Kaden Davis for two scores and make big plays, like the 30-yard pass to Luke Floriea, highlighted his potential as a future starter.
Kaden Davis (WR): Davis was Sanders’ primary target, catching two touchdown passes, including a precise 7-yard score in the first quarter.
Defense: The Browns’ defense was relentless, recording three sacks (Wright, Okwara, Huntington) and an interception by Nik Needham. Rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger led the team with six tackles, while linebacker Winston Reid added four.
Special Teams: Punter Corey Bojorquez’s 62-yard punt and the recovery of Etienne’s muffed punt by Nathaniel Watson were pivotal in shifting momentum. Gage Larvadain also contributed with a 30-yard punt return.

Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young (QB): Young played a limited role, completing a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Coker but facing pressure from the Browns’ defense. His time was cut short as Andy Dalton took over, suggesting a cautious approach by coach Dave Canales.
Jalen Coker (WR): Coker scored the Panthers’ only touchdown but was otherwise limited by Cleveland’s defensive pressure.
Injuries and Absences: The Panthers held out key starters like Derrick Brown, Jaycee Horn, and Damien Lewis, while Tommy Tremble and others were on the injury list, impacting their depth.

Analysis

Browns’ Perspective

The Browns’ 30-10 win was a statement for their young talent. Shedeur Sanders lived up to the hype, displaying the accuracy (74% completion rate in college) and composure that made him a standout at Colorado, despite his draft slide. His ability to lead scoring drives and avoid turnovers against a Panthers defense featuring some starters bodes well for his case in Cleveland’s crowded quarterback room, which includes Deshaun Watson, Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and Dillon Gabriel.

The defense, even without stars like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, was disruptive, with young players like Schwesinger and Huntington stepping up. Special teams also played a crucial role, with Bojorquez’s punting and Watson’s fumble recovery setting the tone. The Browns’ decision to rest most starters allowed rookies and reserves to gain valuable experience, which could pay dividends as they aim to improve on their 3-14 record from 2024.

Panthers’ Perspective

The Panthers’ performance was lackluster, with their offense struggling after an early touchdown. Bryce Young showed flashes but was limited by Cleveland’s pass rush and his brief playing time. Coach Dave Canales’ decision to play some starters, including Young and rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan for at least one series, suggests a focus on building chemistry, but the team’s depth was exposed with key players like Derrick Brown and Jaycee Horn sidelined.

Carolina’s 5-12 record in 2024 was marked by Young’s midseason benching and late resurgence, and this game highlighted the challenges ahead in his development. The muffed punt by Trevor Etienne and the defense’s inability to stop Cleveland’s scoring runs underscored areas for improvement as the Panthers aim to compete in the NFC South.

Betting and Weather Context

Betting Odds: The Panthers were favored by 6 points (BetMGM), with a moneyline of -280 compared to the Browns’ +230. The over/under was set at 32.5, and the final score of 40 points pushed the over.
Weather: The game was played under mostly cloudy skies in Charlotte, with a kickoff temperature of 67°F and calm winds of 3-6 mph, providing ideal conditions.

Historical Context

The Panthers lead the all-time preseason series 3-1, with this game marking Cleveland’s first preseason win against Carolina. In the regular season, the Panthers hold a 4-3 edge, with the Browns winning the last two meetings, including a 26-24 victory in Charlotte on September 11, 2022.

Looking Ahead

For the Browns, this win provides momentum heading into their next preseason games against the Philadelphia Eagles (August 16) and Los Angeles Rams (August 23). Sanders’ performance strengthens his case for a roster spot, but he’ll need to compete with a healthy Pickett and Gabriel in training camp. The Browns’ regular season begins September 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Panthers, meanwhile, face a tougher road, with upcoming preseason matchups against the Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos, and New Orleans Saints. Improving offensive cohesion and managing injuries will be critical as they aim for a playoff spot in 2025.

Conclusion

The Cleveland Browns’ 30-10 rout of the Carolina Panthers in the 2025 NFL preseason opener was a showcase for Shedeur Sanders and the team’s young talent. Sanders’ two-touchdown performance, coupled with a dominant defensive effort and key special teams plays, highlighted Cleveland’s potential to rebound from a tough 2024. For the Panthers, the loss exposed areas for growth, particularly in protecting Bryce Young and bolstering depth. As both teams move forward, this game offered a glimpse into their 2025 aspirations, with Sanders emerging as a player to watch.