CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders dazzled in his NFL preseason debut, throwing two touchdown passes and leading the team to a 30-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Friday night.
Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, displaying poise under pressure and precise arm talent that silenced doubters. He connected with wide receiver Kaden Davis for both scores, including a 7-yard strike in the first quarter that tied the game after Carolina’s early lead. The second touchdown came late in the first half, a dart over the middle that gave Cleveland a 14-7 halftime edge.
The Browns dominated after a sluggish start. Sanders directed a methodical drive in the third quarter, highlighted by a 25-yard completion to tight end Brenden Bates, setting up a short touchdown run by Gage Larvadain that extended the lead to 21-7. Cleveland’s defense stifled the Panthers, forcing turnovers and limiting them to a lone first-quarter touchdown from Bryce Young.
Sanders exited after three quarters, handing off to Tyler Huntley, who added a touchdown pass and a field goal in the fourth. The Browns tacked on another field goal and a late score to seal the rout, showcasing depth despite resting several starters.
The performance marked a strong statement from Sanders, a fifth-round pick who tumbled unexpectedly in the 2025 draft after starring at Colorado. Injuries sidelined Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel with hamstring issues, while veteran Joe Flacco sat out, thrusting Sanders into the starting role. Huntley, signed earlier in the week, backed him up.
Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski praised the rookie’s preparation during training camp, where Sanders overcame minor shoulder soreness and impressed with efficient reps against the first-team defense. In joint practices with Carolina earlier in the week, Sanders went 4 of 7 in seven-on-seven drills, building momentum for the game.
The Browns overcame early miscues, including a three-and-out and a failed fourth-down attempt on their first possessions. A muffed punt by Carolina’s returner gifted Cleveland prime field position, which Sanders capitalized on with his first touchdown toss. He evaded blitzes, sidestepped defenders and extended plays with his mobility, scrambling for 10 yards on one series.
Panthers fans witnessed their team’s struggles, as Young exited early after engineering a scoring drive. Backup Andy Dalton threw an interception, and Carolina managed only a late field goal to avoid a shutout in the second half.
Sanders’ outing boosted his stock in Cleveland’s crowded quarterback room, where he entered camp as the fourth-string option. The Browns, seeking stability after recent uncertainties, now face questions about their depth chart heading into the regular season opener against Cincinnati on Sept. 7.
The victory kicked off preseason action for both teams. Cleveland next visits Philadelphia on Aug. 16, while Carolina also goes on the road to face the Jets on Aug. 16. Sanders’ flashes of brilliance suggested he could climb the ranks quickly, injecting excitement into the Browns’ quarterback competition.
For the Panthers, the loss highlighted defensive vulnerabilities and offensive inconsistencies, setting a tone for needed improvements under their young coaching staff.
Sanders’ family, including father Deion, celebrated the milestone from afar, with social media buzzing over the rookie’s composure. The performance drew widespread acclaim, positioning Sanders as a potential steal of the draft.
