It took a big drive in the fourth quarter, but the Browns were able to come back and defeat the Panthers to move to 2-1 on the young season.
Cleveland’s defense had kept Carolina out of the end zone all day until a drive midway through the fourth quarter, with Bryce Young hitting John Metchie for an 8-yard touchdown. That gave the Panthers a 18-13 lead with a failed two-point conversion.
But quarterback Deshaun Watson brought the Browns down the field in response. He briefly had to exit after he was hit hard on a play that was flagged for roughing the passer. But came right back in to deliver a 14-yard touchdown to Harold Fannin on third-and-10. He then hit Denzel Boston for a successful two-point conversion, giving Cleveland a three-point lead.
The Browns needed two defensive stops to seal it. But Ronnie Hickman intercepted Young to effectively end the game with about 10 seconds left in regulation.
Watson finished 16-of-30 for 144 yards with a pair of touchdowns. He also had 45 yards rushing on 11 attempts.
Fannin caught seven passes for 51 yards with two TDs.
Young ended the game 26-of-48 for 291 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
The Panthers played much of the game without Jalen Coker, who exited with a quad injury.
At a surprise 2-1, the Browns will quickly be back in action as they’ll host the division-rival Steelers on Sunday.
The 1-2 Panthers will host the Lions next Sunday night.