Tough L in the Queen City: Why This Loss Stings Even In The Preseason
Carolina Panthers defeated by the Cleveland Browns - 2025 Preseason Week 1
This was NOT the way the Panthers wanted to start off their season. Losing a big game like this is never easy; however, there’s much to learn from this.
Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns showed up and showed out in Charlotte this Friday night as they defeated the Carolina Panthers 30-10. The biggest takeaway from this was Sanders’ poised, yet dominating performance under the bright lights of the NFL.
With seemingly the whole world doubting him, Sanders proved that he can lead the Browns to a win and left social media buzzing for more. He threw for a total of 138 yards, with 2 TDs to his name. Although this was a preseason game, Sanders made his mark. Both Kenny Pickett and Dillion Gabriel are injured, and game 2 of the preseason is slowly approaching. Can Sanders carry that same momentum into Philadelphia as the Browns take on the reigning Super Bowl champions?
For the Panthers, this was a rough way to start the season. Losing big in front of the Carolina faithful was not on the bingo card coming into the new year. The Panthers' defense started the game off with a bang, not allowing Sanders to get many yards and incompletions. Bryce Young played well as he led Carolina to their only TD. That touchdown went to Jalen Coker late in the first quarter on the Browns' 5-yard line to end Young’s night as QB1. Andy Dalton and Jake Plummer took the mantles throughout the rest of the game. Throwing for 101 yards was a great sign for a veteran quarterback like Dalton. He’s durable and showed why he’s a solid backup for Young.
The connection between Bryce and 2025 rookie Tetairtoa McMillian in the first-quarter drive to the TD left plenty of Carolina hopefuls begging for more. That catch brought everyone to their feet in Bank of America Stadium. This loss was nothing but a lesson. In separate locker interviews, both Young and McMillian discussed how making plays will prepare them for the upcoming season. The Panthers will visit the Houston Texans on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Will another loss come Carolina’s way, or can the Panthers snatch a win in H-Town?