The 2025 preseason game between the Cleveland Browns and the Carolina Panthers was full of excitement and new performances. The Browns showed strong teamwork, young talent, and good control of the game. The Panthers tried hard but could not match the Browns’ rhythm and efficiency.
Game Overview
The Cleveland Browns won against the Carolina Panthers with a clear score of 30–10. The match was played on August 8, 2025, during the NFL preseason.
From the start, the Browns looked confident. Their offense moved the ball well, while the defense stopped many of the Panthers’ key plays. Even though it was a preseason game, the Browns played with focus and energy, giving fans a lot of hope for the upcoming season.
The Panthers, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm. Their passing game looked uncertain at times, and their defense could not stop the Browns’ scoring drives in the red zone.
Team Performance Summary
| Team | Total Yards | Time of Possession | Third Down Efficiency | Red Zone Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Browns | 308 | 34:28 | 6/15 | 4/5 |
| Carolina Panthers | 251 | 25:32 | 3/12 | 1/2 |
The Browns controlled most of the match. They managed to stay on the field longer and converted more key plays. Their red zone performance was especially impressive — four touchdowns out of five trips. The Panthers had only one red zone touchdown from two chances.
Key Highlights of the Match
- The Browns’ rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made an impressive debut.
- The team’s backup QB Tyler Huntley also performed well with quick passes and smart reads.
- The Browns’ defense created strong pressure and forced the Panthers to make mistakes.
- Special teams for Cleveland looked well-organized, adding stability to the win.
The Browns showed good depth across their roster. Their young players proved they can handle pressure, while their coaches used clever play designs that took advantage of the Panthers’ weak spots.
Cleveland Browns: Player Stats and Highlights
Quarterbacks
- Shedeur Sanders:
Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns. He looked calm, confident, and smart in decision-making. He also rushed 4 times for 19 yards, showing he can move well when needed. - Tyler Huntley:
Coming in as a backup, Huntley completed 6 of 8 passes for 51 yards and 1 touchdown. His quick release and ability to control the short game kept the Browns moving downfield.
Rushing Game
The Browns’ running game was shared between several players:
- A. Marshall: 8 carries for 32 yards.
- T. Taua: 5 carries for 30 yards.
- T. Williams: 5 carries for 26 yards.
- Gage Larvadain: 1 carry for 4 yards and a touchdown.
Even though no single player had big yardage, the group worked together well. They helped the team keep possession and open space for passing plays.
Receiving Game
- Cedric Tillman led the receivers with good timing and solid catches.
- David Bell made key receptions that helped build long drives.
- Tyrone Wheatley Jr. added strong blocking support and helped the passing game open up.
The receivers did not post huge numbers, but they made important catches that kept the Browns’ drives alive.
Defense
The Browns’ defense was one of the most impressive parts of the match. They forced the Panthers into multiple three-and-outs and limited their yards after catch.
- Linebackers stayed active and tackled well.
- The secondary defended deep passes effectively.
- The defensive line pressured the Panthers’ quarterbacks, forcing quick throws.
This defensive strength was a big reason why Carolina could score only 10 points.
Carolina Panthers: Player Stats and Highlights
The Panthers entered the game hoping to test their new offensive setup and evaluate young players. However, they faced problems early on.
Quarterbacks
The Panthers rotated several QBs, but they struggled to find consistency. Pass protection was an issue, and the Browns’ pass rush made it hard for them to build rhythm.
Rushing Game
The Panthers’ run game showed some promise in short bursts, but they could not break through Cleveland’s defensive line. They finished with less than 100 total rushing yards.
Receiving Game
Carolina’s receivers had a tough time getting open against Cleveland’s secondary. A few short completions worked, but no big plays were made in the air. The team needs to improve route running and timing before the regular season.
Defense
The Panthers’ defense worked hard but struggled to stop the Browns in key moments. Cleveland’s efficient red zone plays hurt them the most. The linebackers missed some tackles, and coverage lapses led to touchdowns.
What This Game Means
The Browns’ strong preseason win is a good sign for the upcoming season. Their quarterback depth, balanced offense, and strong defense all suggest progress.
For the Panthers, the game showed areas they must improve — mainly pass protection, third-down defense, and offensive timing. Preseason games are about learning, and Carolina now has a clearer picture of what needs to change.
Fans saw the Browns’ rookies and backups perform well, which gives the coaching staff more confidence in their roster depth.
Coach and Player Reactions
Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski praised the team’s focus and effort, especially the young players who took advantage of their opportunities. He said the team still has “a lot of work ahead” but liked the energy they showed.
Shedeur Sanders told reporters that he felt “comfortable” and thankful for the support from teammates and coaches. His debut made headlines as one of the best rookie performances of the preseason’s first week.
Stats Comparison Snapshot
| Category | Browns | Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Total First Downs | 21 | 15 |
| Passing Yards | 189 | 155 |
| Rushing Yards | 119 | 96 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Penalties | 4 (35 yards) | 6 (52 yards) |
The Browns’ discipline and efficiency made a real difference. Their ability to avoid turnovers helped them keep control of the game from start to finish.
Standout Players
- Shedeur Sanders (QB, Browns): Accurate, quick, and calm under pressure.
- Tyler Huntley (QB, Browns): Reliable backup with good movement.
- Cedric Tillman (WR, Browns): Consistent catching, helped stretch the field.
- Browns Defense: Controlled tempo, pressured QBs, and tackled cleanly.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Browns will move forward with confidence as they prepare for their next preseason games. Fans will want to see if Sanders continues to impress and if the running game can gain more yards.
The Panthers will review the game film to fix their offensive struggles. Improving the offensive line and giving their quarterbacks more time will be a key focus before the season starts.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Browns vs. Carolina Panthers preseason match showed two teams on very different paths. The Browns looked ready, confident, and sharp, while the Panthers seemed to still be finding their footing.
Shedeur Sanders’ debut brought excitement and new hope to Browns fans. If this game is any sign of the future, Cleveland could be heading into 2025 with stronger depth and direction than in past seasons.
Football fans got a taste of what the next NFL year might bring — new stars, new stories, and strong competition.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was the Browns vs Panthers 2025 game played?
It was played on August 8, 2025, during the NFL preseason.
2. What was the final score?
The Cleveland Browns won 30–10.
3. Who was the top quarterback for the Browns?
Shedeur Sanders played an excellent game with 2 touchdowns and 138 passing yards.
4. How did Tyler Huntley perform?
Huntley threw 6 completions out of 8 for 51 yards and a touchdown.
5. Which Browns player scored on the ground?
Gage Larvadain scored one rushing touchdown.
6. How did the Panthers perform in the red zone?
They scored only once out of two red zone chances.
7. What was the Browns’ total offense?
They gained 308 total yards (189 passing and 119 rushing).
8. Did the Browns have any turnovers?
No, they played a clean game with zero turnovers.
9. What was the Browns’ third-down conversion rate?
They converted 6 out of 15 third downs.
10. What did this game show about both teams?
It showed that the Browns are well-prepared and balanced, while the Panthers need improvement in both offense and defense.
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