BROWNS BEAT PANTHERS 21-18 ON HAROLD FANNIN LATE TOUCHDOWN

Harold Fannin caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson late in the fourth quarter to lift the Cleveland Browns past the Carolina Panthers 21-18, moving Cleveland to 2-1 on the season. Watson found Denzel Boston for the two-point conversion after the score, giving the Browns a three-point advantage they would not relinquish. The Panthers had led 18-13 after Bryce Young threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to John Metchie, though Carolina's two-point conversion attempt failed. Cleveland's defence had kept the Panthers out of the end zone for the rest of the game. Ronnie Hickman intercepted Young with about ten seconds remaining to seal the result for the Browns.

Watson completed 16 of 30 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns, and added 45 rushing yards on 11 carries. He briefly left the game after being hit on a play that drew a roughing-the-passer penalty, before returning to throw the winning score. Fannin finished with seven catches for 51 yards and two touchdowns. Young ended the game 26 of 48 for 291 yards, with one touchdown and the late interception. The Panthers played much of the game without John Coker, who left with a quad injury, according to the report.

The Browns are scheduled to host the Pittsburgh Steelers, a divisional rival, the following Sunday. The Panthers, now 1-2, are set to host the Detroit Lions in a Sunday night fixture. A separate report said Browns supporters, previously frustrated by Watson's selection as starting quarterback during preseason, cheered his go-ahead touchdown throw as the team opened the season 2-1.