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By the Numbers

Harold Fannin Jr. helps lead Browns past Panthers with 2 touchdowns | By the Numbers

The Browns’ defense sacked QB Bryce Young three times in 21-18 win

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The Browns recorded their second straight win of the season, beating the Panthers 21-18 in their home opener courtesy of a late fourth quarter touchdown reception by TE Harold Fannin Jr.

With the victory, Cleveland is now 2-1 through their first three games. After finding themselves down 18-13 with under five minutes remaining in the game, QB Deshaun Watson led an 8-play, 55-yard scoring drive to secure the win. Watson tossed two touchdown passes to Fannin — including the go-ahead score with under two minutes remaining in the game — while the Browns' defense limited Carolina's offense by pressuring QB Bryce Young.

Here are 10 key numbers from the Browns' win over the Panthers:

1 – S Ronnie Hickman forced the Browns' one turnover of the game, intercepting Young on the Panthers' final offensive play of the game. The interception sealed the win for Cleveland and prevented Carolina from driving down the field to tie or take the lead. 

2 – Fannin recorded two receiving touchdowns, including the 14-yard, go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter. Fannin finished the game with seven receptions for 51 yards and the two touchdowns, marking the first multi-touchdown game of his career. 

3 – On defense, the Browns posted three sacks and maintained heavy pressure on Young throughout the game. DT Mason Graham had two of those sacks and is now up to four this season to lead the Browns. DE Isaiah McGuire recorded the other sack, bringing down Young on a key third-and-goal in the first half to hold the Panthers to a field goal.

5 – The Browns tallied five passes defensed, including one by DE Derek Barnett on Hickman's game-sealing interception. The play caused the ball to flutter in the air and land in the hands of Hickman. In addition to Barnett's pass defense, CB Mekhi Blackmon, CB Myles Harden, CB Denzel Ward and Hickman each notched one. 

6 –Cleveland's defense showed out in their pursuit of Carolina's ball carriers, tallying six tackles for losses. Graham led the way with three, while McGuire had two and LB Quincy Williams had one. 

11 – The Browns' offense led two scoring drives in the fourth quarter, totaling 11 points. K Andre Szmyt kicked a 45-yard field goal while Watson connected with Fannin for a 14-yard touchdown with under two minutes remaining in the game. WR Denzel Boston caught the 2-point conversion following the late touchdown to extend the Browns' lead to three. 

17 – On offense, the Browns converted 17 first downs, the most they have tallied this season. Cleveland converted 5 of 15 third down attempts and 2 of 3 fourth down attempts.

98 – Cleveland's defense allowed a season-low 98 rushing yards to the Panthers. The Browns held RB Chuba Hubbard to 82 yards on 19 carries and didn't allow Young to scramble. 

132 – The Browns recorded 132 yards on the ground, a season-high through the first three games. RB Quinshon Judkins led the team with 70 rushing yards on 18 carries while Watson had the second-highest total with 45 yards on 11 carries. Watson scrambled for 21 yards on the go-ahead touchdown drive to convert a third-and-3. 

144 – Watson threw for 144 yards, completing 16 of 30 passing attempts with two touchdowns and no turnovers. Watson passed for 34 yards on the go-ahead touchdown drive, helping orchestrate the 8-play, 55-yard possession through the air.

Browse action photos from the Browns' 2026 Week 3 game against the Carolina Panthers, featuring top plays and moments.

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