The Carolina heat wasn’t the only thing rising this week. Tensions, expectations, and quarterback questions all took center stage as the Panthers and Browns collided in a joint practice ahead of their preseason opener tonight at Bank of America Stadium.
A wet Wednesday morning didn’t stop the work. Rain loomed, but both teams got after it at the Panthers’ outdoor facility just blocks from the stadium. Carolina’s Andy Dalton learned quickly that Cleveland’s defense came ready–cornerback Tony Brown II picked off a pass in 11-on-11s, sending a jolt through the Browns’ sideline and drawing some words between the teams.
But practice was just the preview. Tonight, under the stadium lights, the real evaluations begin.
With Joe Flacco resting and both Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel sidelined with hamstring injuries, rookie Shedeur Sanders will take the reins for the Browns. Drafted in the fifth round out of Colorado, Sanders has impressed in camp with poise and timing–but now he’ll be asked to lead a thinned-out offense against Carolina’s starting defense.
He’s not the only one with something to prove. With Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman out, Sanders will be throwing to a young group of receivers, including undrafted standouts Luke Floriea and Gage Larvadain. Both have flashed in camp, and this game offers a chance to turn that promise into something more.
Sanders will likely get extended time, possibly playing most of the game. And that’s by design. “We want a long look at Shedeur,” head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Wednesday, per Cleveland.com. “He’s earned this shot.”
Meanwhile, backup Tyler Huntley–who struggled in joint practice, throwing an interception to Thomas Incoom–should get snaps in the second half.
Carolina Panthers vs Cleveland Browns LIVE: Bryce Young vs. Shedeur Sanders – A Tale of Two Quarterbacks in Panthers-Browns Preseason Opener
On the Panthers’ side, new head coach Dave Canales is taking a more aggressive approach. Starters will play, and that includes second-year quarterback Bryce Young. After a tough rookie campaign, Young looked sharper late in 2024 and has built on that in training camp.
“He’s got a real command of what we’re doing now,”Canales said during Tuesday’s press conference, as reported by The Charlotte Observer.”We want to get him comfortable in live reps.”
Helping him along is rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan, the team’s first-round pick in April. At 6’5″, McMillan has already made his presence known in camp. Tonight, he’ll get to show how that size and catch radius translate against live coverage.
On defense, Carolina plans to roll out its starting unit for at least a series or two–giving Sanders a tough welcome to the NFL.
Sure, it’s the preseason. But this one carries weight. For Cleveland, it’s about finding out if Sanders can rise quickly and who among the rookies and fringe players can earn a roster spot. For Carolina, it’s about building confidence and chemistry in a team that’s expected to turn things around after a 5-12 season.
There won’t be a trophy on the line–but for the guys on the field tonight, there’s plenty at stake.
Stay tuned to MARCA in English for live updates, highlights, and full postgame analysis from Charlotte.