QB Shedeur Sanders found his timing and had success in his first taste of NFL action.
Sanders helped lead the Browns to a 30-10 win Friday night at Bank of America Stadium
After the Panthers scored a touchdown to take a lead in the first quarter, the Browns scored 30 consecutive points on their way to winning their first preseason game.
Sanders had 138 passing yards and two passing touchdowns, as well as picking up 19 rushing yards on four attempts. Sanders completed 14 of his 23 passes, playing in the first three quarters before being replaced by QB Tyler Huntley late in the third quarter.
Key Moments
Sanders and Huntley
A muffed punt ignited Sanders and the Browns' offense following three drives to start the game that failed to end with points. After a three-yard run from RB Ahmani Marshall, Sanders threaded a pass between two defenders to WR Kaden Davis for a touchdown to tie the game at seven.
Two drives later, Sanders connected with WR Luke Floriea on a spectacular one-handed catch for 30 yards to enter Carolina territory. Following two productive runs from RB Trayveon Williams, Sanders and Davis connected for a second touchdown to take a 14-7 lead.
A 25-yard pass from Sanders to TE Brenden Bates set up a WR Gage Larvadain 4-yard rushing touchdown on an end-around to the right.
On Huntley's first two drives, he led the Browns to points. On his first drive, he completed two passes for 14 yards to WR Cade McDonald and RB Toa Taua and scrambled for 9 yards to get a first down on third-and-1, ending in a 23-yard field goal from K Dustin Hopkins.
His second drive was dominated by single-digit gains on runs by Taua and short passes. The drive finished with a 19-yard pass to TE Sal Cannella to get to the 6-yard line. Huntley scrambled to the left, connecting with McDonald for a 6-yard touchdown.
Huntley's third drive was his easiest, kneeling three consecutive plays to close the game. He finished with 51 passing yards and a touchdown through the air, going 6-for-8 on his passing attempts.
Defense Creates Chaos
After the Panthers scored a touchdown to take the lead, the Browns shut them down for the rest of the game. DE Alex Wright and DE Julian Okwara sacked quarterbacks Bryce Young and Andy Dalton, respectively, on third down to get the ball back to the offense. DE Adin Huntington added a sack in the third quarter.
On first down with 7:44 left in the third quarter, S Nik Needham picked off Dalton and set up the Cleveland offense at the Carolina 43-yard line. Six plays later, the offense scored a touchdown to go up 14 points.
Rookie LB Carson Schwesinger led the team in tackles with six, while LB Winston Reid had four and four players were tied with three tackles.
Special Teams Success
After a three-and-out on the Browns first drive, P Corey Bojorquez showcased why he's one of the top punters in the NFL. He boomed a punt 62 yards, all the way to the Carolina 7-yard line, giving the defense a long field to work with. The defense forced a three-and-out, holding the Panthers to 3 yards.
On Bojorquez's second punt, Panthers RB Trevor Etienne muffed the catch and LB Nathaniel Watson scooped up the football at the 10-yard line. The recovery set up the Browns' first touchdown of the game.
After Carolina went three-and-out in its first drive of the second half, Larvadain returned the Panthers' punt 30 yards, reaching the Cleveland 42-yard line.
Browse action photos from the Browns' 2025 Preseason Week 1 game against the Carolina Panthers, featuring top plays and moments.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Tight end Sal Cannella (87) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Cade McDonald (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) and Offensive guard Dartanyan Tinsley (65) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Safety Nik Needham (25) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Safety Nik Needham (25) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Safety Nik Needham (25) and Cornerback Dom Jones (37) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Kaden Davis (89) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Cornerback LaMareon James (27) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive end K.J. Henry (52) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Safety Christopher Edmonds (41) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Chase Cota (81) and Wide receiver Cade McDonald (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Cornerback Chigozie Anusiem (35) OR Running back Toa Taua (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Safety Damontae Kazee (23) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Running back Trayveon Williams (36) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Bubba Ventrone and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Running back Trayveon Williams (36) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive end Julian Okwara (53) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Kaden Davis (89) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Kisean Johnson (83) and Wide receiver Cade McDonald (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Kaden Davis (89) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Running back Trayveon Williams (36) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Cornerback Chigozie Anusiem (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Offensive tackle Lorenzo Thompson (69) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Cade McDonald (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) and Running back Ahmani Marshall (39) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Safety Christopher Edmonds (41) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Running back Trayveon Williams (36) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive end Julian Okwara (53) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive Line Coach Jacques Cesaire and Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive Line Coach Jacques Cesaire and Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Safety Christopher Edmonds (41) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Running back Trayveon Williams (36) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Offensive guard Javion Cohen (67) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive end K.J. Henry (52) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Safety Christopher Edmonds (41) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (97) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Center Luke Wypler (56) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Safety Damontae Kazee (23) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Kaden Davis (89) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Kaden Davis (89) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Offensive guard Javion Cohen (67) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jackson Barton (68) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (37) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50) and Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
The offense during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (66) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive end K.J. Henry (52) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Cornerback LaMareon James (27) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
The defense during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (66) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Cade McDonald (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Cornerback Dom Jones (37) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jason Ivey (72) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jason Ivey (72) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Running back Trayveon Williams (36) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
The offense during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Offensive guard Dartanyan Tinsley (65) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Center Bucky Williams (62) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Kisean Johnson (83) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Tight end Sal Cannella (87) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Kisean Johnson (83) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Running back Toa Taua (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (66) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Cade McDonald (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Wide receiver Cade McDonald (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Defensive end K.J. Henry (52) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Game Highlights
Shedeur Sanders scrambles for 10 yards on third down to keep the drive alive.
Shedeur Sanders throws his first NFL touchdown to Kaden Davis.
Luke Floriea makes a one-handed grab to pick up 30 yards and the first down.
Scoring Plays
CLE 0, CAR 7 | Bryce Young five-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Coker | 3:46 1Q
CLE 7, CAR 7 | Shedeur Sanders seven-yard touchdown pass to Kaden Davis | 14:54 2Q
CLE 14, CAR 7 | Shedeur Sanders 12-yard touchdown pass to Kaden Davis | 1:02 2Q
CLE 21, CAR 7 | Gage Larvadain four-yard run for touchdown | 3:55 3Q
CLE 24, CAR 7 | Dustin Hopkins makes 23-yard field goal | 13:01 4Q
CLE 30, CAR 7 | Tyler Huntley six-yard touchdown pass to Cade McDonald (Dustin Hopkins misses field goal) | 6:03 4Q
CLE 30, CAR 10 | Ryan Fitzgerald makes 32-yard field goal | 1:57 4Q
What's Next
After winning on Friday night, the Browns play the Eagles next Saturday, Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. in Philadelphia.
The Browns practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on Aug. 11, before flying to Philadelphia the next day for two joint practices against the Eagles.
