CHARLOTTE – As QB Tyler Huntley kneeled out the last remaining 1:52 of the game and players began to celebrate on the sideline, the Browns claimed their first win of the preseason with a 30-10 victory over the Panthers.
Over the course of 60 minutes of game action, the Browns gave a number of young players live game reps against a Panthers' offense and defense that featured starters early in the first few drives. They used those reps to their advantage, whether through QB Shedeur Sanders managing the offense and throwing for two touchdowns, pass catchers finding their spots to be a target or the defense imposing pressure on the Panthers' quarterbacks.
"There's a ton that we need to learn from in this game, and we will," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "We'll coach off of it, we'll teach off of it, and we will learn from it. So, I think I was pleased with how the guys came down here and got their work done in that practice, got the work done in this game, but we have a long way to go and we're just going to get there by keeping our head down and keep working."
Here are three main takeaways from the Browns' first preseason game.
QB Shedeur Sanders displays poise and accuracy in first NFL game
In his first NFL game action, Sanders displayed different traits of his game – both positive features and areas of growth. In the first half alone, he connected with WR Kaden Davis for two touchdowns to give the Browns a 14-7 lead over the Panthers. The first touchdown Sanders threaded the ball through tight traffic to find Davis in the end zone. The second, after RB Ahmani Marshall came in for the blitz pickup to give Sanders more time in the pocket, he found Davis in the end zone.
"I thought there were a bunch of play where the guys were working together," Stefanski said, "Sometimes, it was in rhythm, and we got to a read because we're in rhythm and the protection was good. There were other times we had to make plays off schedule and those are the things, again, when you're at practice, you preach them, and you work those off-schedule play. So, it was good that those came up tonight."
Sanders continued to display his accuracy in his placement of the ball, as he launched a pass downfield to WR Luke Floriea, who caught the pass one-handed and stayed in bounds for a gain of 30 yards. He also demonstrated awareness as he scrambled on a play and took off for the keeper, gaining the first down.
In the first half, Sanders completed 11 of 18 passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns, as well as one sack. He played a large portion of the third quarter as well before his night ended with less than two minutes in left in the quarter. Sanders finished his first NFL game completing 14 of 23 pass attempts for 138 yards, two touchdowns. He added four carries for 19 yards and took two sacks.
"The situations were invaluable for Shedeur (Sanders), for all of our offense," Stefanski said. "We got a third-and-1 where he had a quarterback sneak. I mean there's just a lot of football and that's by design with him getting a ton of reps in this game and he'll get a ton of reps next week as well. That's all part of our development of our young players."
However, there were also moments of growth as the rookie adjusts to the league. On two of his scrambles, while Sanders was able to evade pressure and throw the ball away, he was pushed back down the field. On both plays, he found his way back closer towards the line of scrimmage and got rid of the ball, but served as teaching points for the rookie quarterback.
"Pleased with Shedeur (Sanders), pleased with the offense," Stefanski said. "Again, not perfect, plenty that we can work on. But I thought the guys did a really nice job with Shedeur and operating, the guys making plays, so, again, a ton to teach off of."
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.
Rookie wide receivers making a statement
Both rookie wide receivers Luke Floriea and Gage Larvadain raised eyebrows during training camp and continued to make a statement in the first preseason game.
Floriea's one-handed snag for a gain of 30 yards in the second quarter helped lead to the second touchdown of the game. He recorded just one reception for 30 yards in his NFL debut, as he left the game with a hamstring injury.
"I thought the scramble to throw to Luke, where Luke grabbed it with one hand, was pretty special by both those guys," Stefanski said. "Again, that's the fun part of this sport, that's the fun part of coaching. We get to pour everything we have into these young players, and you get to go see them perform."
Larvadain found ways to be open and a target for Sanders. In the second quarter as Sanders moved in the pocket, Larvadain took off across the middle of the field and caught a pass from Sanders for a gain of 19 yards. Then, in the third quarter, Larvadain took a handoff and ran to the right into the end zone on a 4-yard carry for a touchdown.
Both Floriea and Larvadain have used their reps to their advantage as they fight to earn a roster spot for the Browns.
Defense and special teams making an impact
While the offense flashed with their scoring plays, the defense made an impact of their own. On the Panthers' opening drive, DE Alex Wright set the tone early as he got into the backfield and recorded a sack on QB Bryce Young.
They forced the Panthers into a 3-and-out situation on two offensive drives in the first quarter. Then, even after Browns' starters were taken out of the game, their second team did not let up. DE Julian Okwara sacked QB Andy Dalton and forced the Panthers to punt. Their secondary used their hands to break up passes and keep the ball out of the Panthers' receivers, as Christopher Edmonds, Tony Brown II, Donovan McMillon, Dom Jones and Nik Needham each had one pass defensed.
In the second half, Needham read the route and picked off Dalton for an interception – which eventually led to the touchdown by Larvadain. Okwara added a second sack in the fourth quarter when he got into the backfield and took down QB Jack Plummer.
Throughout the offseason and heading into the 2025 season, the Browns have reiterated the importance of causing turnovers as a defense. They struggled in that area of their defense during the 2024 season – recording just four takeaways for the season. With the interception and a fumble recovery on a muffed punt on special teams, those units are focused in on the emphasis to create turnovers.
"Plus two in the turnover margin usually equates to a victory," Stefanski said. "So that's just reinforcing how important that is for this football team, for every football team in every game."
