Browns Open Preseason With Win Over Panthers, 30-10: Game Notes
It was far from perfect, but dominating wins are welcome here.
The hype was palpable leading up to the Browns preseason debut this evening and they delivered. The group, down most starters, rolled into Carolina with a business-like approach and put together an impressive showing in their 30-10 win over the Panthers. It’s the preseason and both teams will claim it means nothing, and they won’t be wrong, but they also both competed hard and the Browns put together a nice effort overall.
The Panthers had their way early in the first quarter as both sides had more of the best version of their roster but the Browns defense did have some of its expected contributors out there.
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However, as things balanced out, the Browns methodical approach led to longer drives and a defense that kept the Panthers’ offense off-balance for most of the evening. The Browns won two of the most important battles in NFL football: time of possession, and turnovers. Balancing that out will help them find more consistency and tonight was a step in the right direction.
Here are the brief Preseason Week 1 Game Notes.
That felt more like an offense Kevin Stefanski was comfortable running. His mix of diverse run game, play-action concepts, west coast dropback staples, and screen game. There are plenty more details to derive from the showing but let’s just say it felt like a return home after a rough year away.
Shedeur Sanders drove the hype train into Bank of America Stadium and handled himself well enough. He had some moments he would like back, but for the most part he handled the offense cleanly, navigated some chaotic pocket situations, and helped put together a strong showing given the amount of reps he has received in Training Camp so far. His response to the rare opportunity to play nearly an entire preseason game was appropriately gracious and he conducted that opportunity like a professional. Everything you could have hoped for if you believe he is the long-term answer.
Sanders had three throws that stand out — all of which will be covered closely in Film Rooms this week. The ones worth showing here from the TV view are the two touchdowns. Well-placed throws working through progressions. The first to Kaden Davis in the left corner of the end zone was in a tiny window and the second, a dig route working wide right to middle, was on time and accurate. These are things we want to see.
Dylan Sampson saw very few reps in the game, just six total, so it was tough to pull much away from his performance on first watch. Ahmani Marshalll (No. 39) had some nice moments showing burst to turn the corner as well as some appropriate wide zone vision. He also had a strong blitz pickup on Sanders 2nd touchdown pass of the night. Trayveon Williams and Toa Taua both had promising moments as well.
The target share was insanely spread out for the receivers and tight ends. Of the anticipated contributors, it was a quiet night. Harold Fannin Jr. with just six snaps and zero targets, Jamari Thrash played 18 snaps and had two short catches for nine total yards, and Diontae Johnson had just two targets in 16 snaps. Nothing of note there on first watch.
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