Cleveland Browns vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats

Cleveland Browns vs Carolina Panthers match player stats from the 2025 NFL preseason opener tell a much more useful story than the 30-10 final score alone. Cleveland defeated Carolina 30-10 in Charlotte, with the Browns overcoming a 7-0 first-quarter deficit before controlling the game through the final three quarters. The game is officially listed by NFL and ESPN as August 8, 2025, although some data feeds reference August 9 because of publication and time-zone handling.

The biggest storyline was rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who made his professional debut and completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He also added 19 rushing yards. His performance helped Cleveland turn a slow opening quarter into a convincing road victory.

But Sanders was not the only player who mattered. Cleveland’s defense produced four sacks and an interception, the Browns ran for 125 yards, and Tyler Huntley added another touchdown pass after Sanders left the game. Carolina’s offense actually finished with more passing yards than Cleveland, but the Panthers struggled to turn those yards into points.

This detailed breakdown examines the quarterback numbers, rushing production, receiving performances, defensive impact, special teams, game flow, and the lessons that can reasonably be taken from the matchup without treating one preseason game as proof of a player’s entire NFL future.

Table of Contents

Cleveland Browns vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The final score was:

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Cleveland Browns	0	14	7	9	30
Carolina Panthers	7	0	0	3	10

The game was played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Cleveland finished 1-0 in the preseason, while Carolina opened 0-1.

The scoring pattern is one of the most revealing parts of the matchup.

Carolina scored the only points of the opening quarter. Cleveland then responded with 14 points in the second quarter, added seven more in the third, and finished with nine points in the fourth.

That means Cleveland scored 30 unanswered points after Carolina’s opening touchdown.

For a preseason contest, that type of game flow matters because coaches are evaluating players across different lineups and situations. It is not the same as a regular-season game where starters typically handle the majority of meaningful snaps, but the ability to respond after falling behind still provides useful evidence about execution and depth.

The most important statistical difference

The simplest explanation for the final result is that Cleveland converted its offensive opportunities into touchdowns more efficiently.

The Browns produced:

183 team passing yards
125 rushing yards
308 total yards
3 passing touchdowns
1 rushing touchdown
0 interceptions thrown
4 defensive sacks
1 defensive interception

Carolina produced:

211 passing yards
40 rushing yards
251 total yards
1 passing touchdown
0 rushing touchdowns
1 interception thrown
3 defensive sacks
0 interceptions

The Panthers therefore threw for 28 more yards than Cleveland, yet Carolina scored only 10 points.

That is an excellent example of why raw yardage should not be treated as the complete definition of offensive performance.

Shedeur Sanders Leads Cleveland’s Quarterback Production

The standout individual performance belonged to Shedeur Sanders.

The rookie quarterback completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per attempt. He threw two touchdowns, had no interceptions, and posted a 106.8 passer rating. He was also credited with two sacks and ran four times for 19 yards.

Those numbers are particularly notable because this was his first NFL preseason appearance.

Sanders did not simply produce empty passing volume. His two touchdown passes went to Kaden Davis, giving Cleveland a direct scoring connection between its rookie quarterback and a young receiving option.

Sanders’ passing efficiency

His basic passing line was:

Category	Shedeur Sanders
Completions	14
Attempts	23
Completion rate	60.9%
Passing yards	138
Yards per attempt	6.0
Touchdowns	2
Interceptions	0
Sacks	2
Passer rating	106.8
Rushing yards	19

A 60.9% completion rate is not extraordinary by itself, but the combination of two touchdowns and zero interceptions made the performance considerably more productive.

Sanders also showed mobility when the pocket opened. His 19 rushing yards were not a major component of Cleveland’s ground game, but they demonstrated another way he could contribute when a passing lane was unavailable.

NFL.com’s postgame report noted that Sanders became increasingly comfortable during the contest. Sanders himself explained afterward that he felt prepared for the moment and believed he knew what the situation required.

That distinction is important. A preseason debut should not be evaluated only through statistics. How a quarterback handles pressure, processes the defense, communicates, and recovers from mistakes can be equally important to coaches.

Tyler Huntley adds another touchdown

Tyler Huntley also played an important role for Cleveland.

He completed 6 of 8 passes for 51 yards and one touchdown. His 130.7 passer rating was actually higher than Sanders’ 106.8, although Huntley operated on a smaller sample.

His rushing line was less impressive:

6 carries
10 yards
1.7 yards per carry
9-yard long

The important point is that Huntley kept the Browns’ offense productive after Sanders left.

Together, Cleveland’s quarterbacks completed 20 of 31 passes for 183 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. The team recorded six sacks allowed across the quarterback stat line, although the official team passing entry lists three sacks for 23 yards in the summarized statistics provided.

For Cleveland, the most encouraging quarterback statistic may therefore be the zero-interception total rather than the passer ratings alone.

Carolina Quarterback Stats Tell a Different Story

Carolina used three quarterbacks, creating a very different statistical distribution.

Andy Dalton started and completed 13 of 19 passes for 101 yards. He did not throw a touchdown and was intercepted once. His passer rating was 59.3.

Jack Plummer completed 6 of 10 passes for 79 yards, averaging 7.9 yards per attempt. He had no touchdowns and no interceptions, finishing with an 85.0 rating.

Bryce Young completed 4 of 6 passes for 58 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 9.7 yards per attempt and produced a 137.5 passer rating.

Bryce Young’s limited but efficient appearance

Young’s numbers deserve context.

A 4-of-6 passing line for 58 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions is highly efficient, but it came from only six attempts.

That makes it dangerous to compare his 137.5 rating directly with Sanders’ 106.8 and conclude that Young played better overall.

Sanders had nearly four times as many passing attempts and remained on the field for a much longer stretch.

Young’s appearance nevertheless showed how quickly Carolina could create explosive passing efficiency when its quarterback found favorable opportunities. His 9.7 yards per attempt was the highest among the Panthers’ three quarterbacks.

Andy Dalton’s difficult stretch

Dalton’s performance was less efficient.

His 101 yards came on 19 attempts, and the interception hurt Carolina’s ability to maintain possession and field position.

The bigger concern was the pressure. The Panthers’ quarterback group absorbed four sacks in the team passing statistics, and the game exposed some issues in protecting the pocket.

For preseason evaluation, that is useful information for Carolina’s offensive staff. Pressure statistics can reveal problems that a simple passing-yard total may hide.

Cleveland’s Rushing Attack Produced 125 Yards

Cleveland’s ground game was not dominated by one superstar performance. Instead, it was distributed across several backs and quarterbacks.

The Browns recorded 32 rushing attempts for 125 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry, with one rushing touchdown.

Ahmani Marshall led the team in rushing attempts and yards:

8 carries
32 yards
4.0 yards per carry
11-yard long

Toa Taua added:

5 carries
30 yards
6.0 yards per carry
12-yard long

Trayveon Williams produced:

5 carries
26 yards
5.2 yards per carry
13-yard long

Sanders contributed 19 yards on four carries.

Huntley had six carries for 10 yards.

The Browns also received a rushing touchdown from Gage Larvadain, who carried once for four yards.

Why the distribution matters

The 125-yard total was more important than identifying a single leading runner.

Cleveland used the preseason to evaluate multiple players, and the distribution of carries reflects that purpose.

Marshall received the most attempts, while Taua and Williams generated better per-carry averages. That does not automatically mean either player should be considered superior because preseason rushing efficiency can be heavily influenced by defensive personnel, blocking combinations, field position and sample size.

The more useful conclusion is that Cleveland found multiple players capable of producing positive yardage.

Carolina’s Rushing Game Struggled

Carolina’s rushing numbers were one of the clearest statistical weaknesses.

The Panthers managed only 40 rushing yards on 14 attempts, averaging 2.9 yards per carry.

Emani Bailey led the team with 21 yards on three carries, including a 19-yard run.

Chuba Hubbard recorded three carries for 10 yards.

Rico Dowdle had three carries for seven yards.

Trevor Etienne carried twice for three yards and also recorded the Panthers’ only lost fumble.

The Panthers’ entire rushing attack produced just one carry of more than 10 yards, Bailey’s 19-yard run.

The run-game contrast

The difference between the teams was substantial:

Rushing Category	Browns	Panthers
Attempts	32	14
Yards	125	40
Average	3.9	2.9
Long	13	19
Rushing TDs	1	0

Carolina actually had the longer individual run, but Cleveland was much more consistent across the ground game.

That is an important lesson in evaluating rushing statistics. One explosive run can improve a player’s average dramatically, but sustained rushing production requires repeated successful plays.

Kaden Davis Was Cleveland’s Key Receiving Story

Kaden Davis was one of the most important offensive players in the game because he caught both of Sanders’ touchdown passes.

He finished with three receptions for 23 yards and two touchdowns. His longest reception went for 12 yards.

The yardage was modest, but the scoring impact was enormous.

Two touchdowns on three receptions gave Davis the highest scoring contribution among Cleveland receivers.

That is why a box-score evaluation should separate volume from impact. A player can lead the team in receiving yards without being the most influential receiver in the game.

Sal Cannella leads Cleveland in receiving yards

Sal Cannella led Cleveland in receiving yardage:

3 receptions
32 yards
10.7 yards per reception
19-yard long
4 targets

The Browns’ full receiving group recorded 20 receptions for 189 yards and three touchdowns on 31 targets.

The distribution again reflects a preseason environment where coaches are evaluating depth rather than relying on a small group of established starters.

Tetairoa McMillan Shows Big-Play Potential for Carolina

Carolina’s leading receiver by yardage was Tetairoa McMillan.

The rookie wide receiver caught two passes for 43 yards, averaging 21.5 yards per reception. His longest reception covered 30 yards, and he was targeted five times.

That is the kind of receiving line that attracts attention even without a touchdown.

McMillan averaged more than 20 yards per catch, showing that Carolina could create explosive plays when the ball reached him downfield. His five targets also indicate that the offense looked his way frequently during his limited opportunities.

The most important caveat is sample size. Two receptions are not enough to establish a season-long projection.

Jalen Coker scores Carolina’s only receiving touchdown

Jalen Coker caught two passes for 17 yards and scored Carolina’s only receiving touchdown.

His longest reception was 12 yards, and he received four targets.

Carolina’s receiving group as a whole recorded 23 receptions for 238 yards, averaging 10.3 yards per reception, with one touchdown.

This creates another interesting statistical contrast.

Carolina had:

49 more receiving yards than Cleveland
3 more receptions
4 more targets

Yet Cleveland’s receivers scored three touchdowns compared with Carolina’s one.

The difference was not simply the ability to move the ball. It was what happened after the ball moved.

Defensive Player Stats Reveal Why Carolina Scored Only 10

The Browns’ defensive numbers were strong enough to explain much of the final score.

Cleveland recorded:

63 total tackles
35 solo tackles
4 sacks
7 tackles for loss
5 passes defended
7 quarterback hits
1 interception

Adin Huntington led Cleveland with six total tackles, including five solo tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and two quarterback hits.

Nik Needham recorded the Browns’ only interception.

Cleveland’s pressure was significant

Seven quarterback hits and four sacks show that Cleveland consistently created disruption.

The Panthers were able to gain 211 passing yards, but the pressure helped prevent that yardage from translating into sustained scoring drives.

This is one of the strongest examples from the game of why total yardage can be misleading.

Carolina moved the football through the air.

Cleveland finished with fewer passing yards.

But Cleveland created more scoring opportunities and forced a turnover.

That combination was far more valuable on the scoreboard.

Carolina’s Defense Produced Three Sacks

Carolina’s defense finished with:

68 total tackles
46 solo tackles
3 sacks
6 tackles for loss
3 passes defended
5 quarterback hits
0 defensive touchdowns
0 interceptions

Thomas Incoom led Carolina with five total tackles and one sack.

Michael Reid recorded five total tackles, including four solo tackles.

The Panthers were active around the ball, but Cleveland’s quarterbacks avoided interceptions.

That became important because turnovers often have an outsized impact in games where both teams are using backup and developmental players.

Turnovers Were a Major Difference

Cleveland had one team fumble but did not lose it.

Carolina also had one fumble, but Trevor Etienne lost his.

The Browns additionally intercepted Andy Dalton.

Therefore, Cleveland finished with a plus-two turnover margin.

That is a major reason the Browns were able to win comfortably despite Carolina producing more passing yards.

The Panthers did not receive enough extra possessions or short-field opportunities to capitalize on their yardage.

Special Teams Also Favored Cleveland in Important Areas

The kicking numbers were relatively straightforward.

Dustin Hopkins went 1-for-1 on field goals, made three of four extra points and scored six points for Cleveland.

His field goal was from 23 yards.

For Carolina, Ryan Fitzgerald made his only field-goal attempt from 32 yards and scored three points. Matthew Wright made his only extra-point attempt.

The Browns also had the stronger punt-return numbers.

Cleveland returned five punts for 63 yards, averaging 12.6 yards per return, with a long return of 30 yards.

Carolina returned five punts for only 17 yards, averaging 3.4 yards per return.

That 9.2-yard difference in average return production is significant because punt returns directly influence field position.

Punting was strong on both sides

Corey Bojorquez punted five times for Cleveland for 255 yards, averaging 51.0 yards per punt. He had two punts inside the 20 and a long of 62 yards.

Sam Martin punted seven times for Carolina for 355 yards, averaging 50.7 yards, with three inside the 20 and a long of 59 yards.

Both punters performed well by the basic numbers.

The difference is that Carolina needed to punt seven times, which reflects how frequently its drives failed to produce points.

Cleveland’s Offensive Efficiency Was Better Than the Yardage Difference Suggests

One of the most interesting statistical lessons from the matchup is the relationship between yardage and scoring.

Carolina finished with more passing yards:

211 vs. 183

But Cleveland finished with more total offensive yardage because of its rushing advantage:

308 vs. 251

More importantly, Cleveland scored:

30 vs. 10

The Browns had four total touchdowns compared with Carolina’s one.

That is a massive efficiency gap.

Why Carolina’s 251 yards did not translate into points

Several factors explain the difference:

Carolina rushed for only 40 yards.
The Panthers committed a turnover through an interception.
Carolina lost a fumble.
The Browns recorded four sacks.
Cleveland scored three passing touchdowns.
Carolina scored only one touchdown.
Cleveland generated better punt-return production.
Carolina struggled to sustain enough successful possessions.

This is why analysts should resist judging a game by one statistical category.

Passing yards are useful.

Rushing yards are useful.

Completion percentage is useful.

But points, turnovers and scoring efficiency often provide the clearest explanation of the actual result.

What the Numbers Say About Shedeur Sanders

The Sanders discussion requires balance.

His 14-of-23 passing performance for 138 yards and two touchdowns was an impressive preseason debut. NFL.com’s game report specifically highlighted his ability to settle into the game and noted that he threw both touchdown passes to Kaden Davis.

At the same time, one preseason appearance cannot establish whether he is ready to become a long-term NFL starter.

The more reasonable conclusions are narrower.

Sanders demonstrated:

He could operate an NFL offense without throwing an interception.
He could create touchdown opportunities.
He handled a significant workload in his first preseason appearance.
He showed enough mobility to contribute outside the pocket.
He became more comfortable as the game progressed.

Those are meaningful observations without turning one performance into an unrealistic prediction.

What the Numbers Say About Bryce Young

Young’s four completions on six attempts were efficient, but his workload was limited.

His 58 passing yards, one touchdown and 137.5 passer rating show that he was productive during his brief appearance. NFL statistical logs confirm the 4-of-6, 58-yard, one-touchdown performance.

The bigger story for Carolina was not necessarily Young’s efficiency.

It was the overall offensive environment around the quarterback position.

The Panthers had 211 passing yards but just 40 rushing yards. They also surrendered four sacks and committed two turnovers.

For a quarterback evaluation, those surrounding factors matter.

A quarterback can play efficiently and still be part of an offense that struggles to consistently finish drives.

Biggest Takeaways From the Matchup

The most important lessons from the game can be summarized in several points.

1. Cleveland’s quarterback room produced three touchdowns

Sanders threw two touchdown passes.

Huntley threw one.

Neither quarterback threw an interception.

That is an excellent turnover profile for a preseason opener.

2. Cleveland’s defense controlled the game after the first quarter

Carolina scored seven points in the first quarter and only three points over the remaining three quarters.

The Browns’ pressure and takeaway production played a central role.

3. Carolina’s passing production was better than its scoring output

The Panthers threw for 211 yards and averaged 6.8 yards per attempt as a team.

Yet they scored only one touchdown.

That gap between yardage and points is perhaps the clearest explanation of the loss.

4. McMillan provided an explosive receiving threat

Two catches for 43 yards is a small sample, but a 30-yard long and 21.5-yard average demonstrate legitimate big-play potential in this particular game.

5. Cleveland’s rushing depth was more productive

The Browns ran 32 times for 125 yards.

Carolina ran 14 times for 40 yards.

That 85-yard difference gave Cleveland a stronger balance between passing and rushing.

A Practical Way to Evaluate These Preseason Numbers

Readers looking at preseason statistics should avoid treating every number equally.

A useful evaluation framework is:

Volume + efficiency + situation + sample size + opponent context

For example, Sanders’ 138 passing yards matter.

His 14 completions matter.

His two touchdowns matter even more.

But the fact that he did it in his first professional preseason appearance also matters.

Likewise, McMillan’s 43 receiving yards are impressive, but two receptions are not enough to establish a full-season trend.

The same principle applies to Young’s 137.5 passer rating.

A six-attempt sample can produce a very high rating, but it does not provide the same evidence as a full game.

This approach creates a more reliable interpretation than simply sorting players by passer rating or yardage.

Cleveland Browns vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats: Quick Reference

Here is a condensed statistical reference for the most important individual performances.

Player	Team	Key Statistics
Shedeur Sanders	Cleveland	14/23, 138 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT
Tyler Huntley	Cleveland	6/8, 51 YDS, 1 TD, 0 INT
Andy Dalton	Carolina	13/19, 101 YDS, 0 TD, 1 INT
Bryce Young	Carolina	4/6, 58 YDS, 1 TD, 0 INT
Ahmani Marshall	Cleveland	8 CAR, 32 YDS
Toa Taua	Cleveland	5 CAR, 30 YDS
Trayveon Williams	Cleveland	5 CAR, 26 YDS
Emani Bailey	Carolina	3 CAR, 21 YDS
Sal Cannella	Cleveland	3 REC, 32 YDS
Kaden Davis	Cleveland	3 REC, 23 YDS, 2 TD
Tetairoa McMillan	Carolina	2 REC, 43 YDS
Jalen Coker	Carolina	2 REC, 17 YDS, 1 TD
Adin Huntington	Cleveland	6 TKL, 1 SACK
Thomas Incoom	Carolina	5 TKL, 1 SACK
Nik Needham	Cleveland	1 INT

The table is best viewed as a quick reference rather than a complete statistical record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Browns vs Panthers preseason game?

The Cleveland Browns defeated the Carolina Panthers 30-10. Cleveland trailed 7-0 after the first quarter but scored 30 consecutive points afterward.

How did Shedeur Sanders play against the Panthers?

Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. He also rushed for 19 yards. His passer rating was 106.8.

How did Bryce Young perform against Cleveland?

Bryce Young completed 4 of 6 passes for 58 yards and one touchdown. He finished with a 137.5 passer rating while playing a limited number of snaps.

Who was Cleveland’s leading rusher?

Ahmani Marshall led Cleveland with eight carries for 32 yards. Toa Taua followed with 30 yards on five carries, while Trayveon Williams had 26 yards on five attempts.

Who led Carolina in receiving?

Tetairoa McMillan led Carolina in receiving yards with 43 yards on two receptions. His longest catch was 30 yards, and he averaged 21.5 yards per reception.

Why did Cleveland win despite Carolina having more passing yards?

Cleveland combined stronger rushing production, four touchdowns through the air and on the ground, four sacks, an interception and a better turnover margin. Carolina’s 211 passing yards did not translate into enough scoring opportunities.

Conclusion

The Cleveland Browns‘ 30-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers was defined by efficiency, quarterback production, defensive pressure and a significant difference in rushing output.

Shedeur Sanders was the headline performer after completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in his NFL preseason debut. Tyler Huntley then added another touchdown pass, giving Cleveland three passing scores without an interception.

Cleveland’s running game also produced 125 yards, while the defense generated four sacks and an interception. The Browns’ special teams unit added useful field-position value through punt returns.

Carolina’s passing game produced 211 yards, and Bryce Young was especially efficient in his limited appearance. Tetairoa McMillan also showed big-play ability with 43 receiving yards on only two catches.

Still, the Panthers struggled to convert production into points. They managed only 40 rushing yards, committed two turnovers and were held to three points after the opening quarter.

The most useful way to interpret these numbers is not as a prediction of either team’s entire season. Instead, they provide an early snapshot of depth, execution and individual opportunity. Preseason statistics become most valuable when they are viewed alongside workload, efficiency, game situation and sample size.

For readers comparing player performances, the central lesson from this matchup is simple: the most impressive box-score number is not always the most important one. Touchdowns, turnovers, pressure, efficiency and consistency together explain why Cleveland walked away with a 30-10 victory.