Many people consider football one of the most exciting sports. Fans love every tackle, touchdown, and field goal. When the Carolina Panthers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats come into focus, it’s always a big moment. Both teams have proud histories and passionate fans. When they face off, you can expect a hard-fought battle full of great plays, big performances, and unforgettable moments.
This article looks closely at one of their most exciting matchups: the Week 1 game in the 2022 NFL season, where emotions ran high, and stars shone bright. Whether you’re a Panthers fan, a Browns supporter, or just love the NFL, this detailed guide will help you understand what really happened on the field.
Game Overview: When the Panthers and Browns Went Head-to-Head
The Carolina Panthers vs Cleveland Browns game took place on September 11, 2022, during Week 1 of the NFL season. It was played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game was especially exciting because Baker Mayfield, now quarterback of the Panthers, was playing against his former team — the Cleveland Browns.
The final score?
Browns 26 – Panthers 24
It was a close and thrilling finish. The Browns clinched the win when rookie kicker Cade York made a 58-yard field goal with only 8 seconds remaining. That last-minute kick made headlines and set the tone for both teams’ seasons.
Why This Game Mattered
This wasn’t just any regular-season opener. There was drama, history, and personal emotion behind every snap.
- Baker Mayfield’s revenge game made it must-watch TV.
- The Browns were without their main quarterback, so they had to rely on Jacoby Brissett.
- Fans got to see star running backs like Nick Chubb and Christian McCaffrey in action.
Let’s look at the Carolina Panthers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats to see who stood out and how the game unfolded.
Team Stats Breakdown
| Cleveland Browns | 355 | 138 | 217 | 0 | 11:26 PM |
| Carolina Panthers | 261 | 210 | 54 | 1 | 9:34 PM |
The Browns controlled the clock with a strong run game. The Panthers made big plays late, but it wasn’t enough.
Quarterback Performance
Baker Mayfield (Panthers)
- Completions: 16/27
- Yards: 235
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 1
- Rushing TD: 1
Baker had a slow start but found rhythm in the second half. He even rushed for a touchdown, showing his fight.
Jacoby Brissett (Browns)
- Completions: 18/34
- Yards: 147
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 0
Brissett didn’t throw for many yards but managed the game well. He avoided mistakes and kept drives alive. Rushing Leaders
Nick Chubb (Browns)
- Carries: 22
- Yards: 141
- Yards per carry: 6.4
Nick Chubb was unstoppable. He sliced through the Panthers’ defense with ease.
Kareem Hunt (Browns)
- Carries: 11
- Yards: 46
- Rushing TDs: 1
- Receiving TDs: 1
Hunt scored twice and proved why he’s such a dangerous dual threat.
Christian McCaffrey (Panthers)
- Carries: 10
- Yards: 33
- TDs: 1
- Receptions: 4 for 24 yards
McCaffrey was limited in this game but still found the end zone.
Receiving Highlights
| Robbie Anderson | Panthers | 5 | 102 | 1 |
| Donovan Peoples-Jones | Browns | 6 | 60 | 0 |
| DJ Moore | Panthers | 3 | 43 | 0 |
| Kareem Hunt | Browns | 4 | 24 | 1 |
Robbie Anderson caught a 75-yard touchdown, giving Panthers fans a spark of hope. People-Jones was Brissett’s go-to guy all game.
Key Defensive Performers
Myles Garrett (Browns)
- Sacks: 2
- Tackles: 4
- QB Pressures: 5
Garrett was a monster, disrupting plays and forcing mistakes.
Brian Burns (Panthers)
- Sacks: 0
- Tackles: 3
- Pressure: Strong edge rush presence
Both defenses played well, but Cleveland’s pass rush gave them the edge.
Quick Bios: Key Players
| Baker Mayfield | Panthers | QB | 6’1″ | 215 lbs | Oklahoma | 2018 |
| Jacoby Brissett | Browns | QB | 6’4″ | 235 lbs | NC State | 2016 |
| Nick Chubb | Browns | RB | 5’11” | 227 lbs | Georgia | 2018 |
| Christian McCaffrey | Panthers | RB | 5’11” | 205 lbs | Stanford | 2017 |
| Myles Garrett | Browns | DE | 6’4″ | 272 lbs | Texas A&M | 2017 |
| Brian Burns | Panthers | DE | 6’5″ | 250 lbs | Florida State | 2019 |
Turning Points of the Game
- 75-yard TD pass to Robbie Anderson — swung momentum back to Carolina.
- Kade York’s 58-yard game-winning FG — Browns win in the final seconds.
- Roughing the passer call on the Panthers helped keep the Browns’ final drive alive.
- Baker’s strip sack fumble in the first half slowed the Panthers’ early momentum.
What the Stats Say About the Teams
The Carolina Panthers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats show how important the run game was. The Browns rushed for over 200 yards. The Panthers couldn’t stop Chubb or Hunt. Meanwhile, the Panthers relied more on big passing plays and quick scores.
Time of possession also made a huge difference. The Browns controlled the ball for almost 17 more minutes than the Panthers. That’s how they kept the defense fresh and tired out Carolina’s squad.
How Fans Reacted
Panthers fans had mixed feelings. Many were excited about Baker’s comeback but frustrated with the defense. Browns fans were thrilled — especially with a rookie kicker nailing a game-winner.
Social media exploded with reactions, especially to the final moments and Baker’s post-game interview.
What We Can Learn from the Game
Here are a few key takeaways:
- A strong run game controls the clock and wins games.
- Turnovers and penalties can shift momentum fast.
- Even rookie kickers can be heroes.
- Emotions run high in revenge games — but strategy wins.
FAQs
Nick Chubb had the best rushing stats, and Robbie Anderson had the most receiving yards with 102.
He had a slow start but finished strong with 235 passing yards, a passing TD, and a rushing TD.
They controlled the run game, managed the clock better, and made a clutch kick at the end.
Kade York, the Browns’ rookie kicker, made a 58-yard field goal with 8 seconds left.
He scored a touchdown but was held to only 33 rushing yards.
It was Baker Mayfield’s first game against his former team, adding extra drama.
Conclusion
The Carolina Panthers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats tell the story of a tight, thrilling football game. From powerful runs by Nick Chubb to deep throws by Baker Mayfield, this matchup had it all. It showed us how football is a game of strategy, heart, and sometimes, last-second heroics.
Whether you’re diving into NFL stats or just reliving a great game, this matchup gave fans something to remember. Want more deep-dive game breakdowns like this? Stick around — we’ve got you covered.
READ MORE: Los Angeles Rams vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats: Complete Deep-Dive Breakdown
