Browns Complete Insane 4th Quarter Comeback in Home Opener Against Panthers

The Cleveland Browns don't look like the same ol' Browns after Week 3, earning a huge win that showed over the Carolina Panthers that showed mettle.

The win was enough for first-year head coach Todd Monken to decide to keep Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback for the home opener in Week 3, nearly a month after Watson took a shot at Cleveland's fan base during a postgame news conference in the preseason.

No one knew what it would look like to see Watson start against the Panthers, who showed promise in Week 3 by thumping the Atlanta Falcons 34-3 last week. 

The Browns took a 10-3 lead into halftime, but the Panthers started chipping away at the lead in the third quarter. After kicking four field goals in the second half, the Panthers took an 18-13 lead with 7:30 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Watson would lead the offense down the field on an eight-play, 65-yard touchdown drive that ended in a 14-yard touchdown pass from the quarterback to Harold Fannin Jr. with 1:48 remaining. Cleveland's defense made a stop on downs and created an interception in the game's final two minutes, keeping the Panthers from spoiling their home opener and earning a 21-18 win over Carolina.

With the win, the Browns improve to 2-1. They're in a three-way tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North, with the Baltimore Ravens yet to play the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Cleveland will host the Steelers on Thursday night. 

The Browns won the game despite being outgained by Carolina 360-259 in total yards. 

Watson finished the day going 16 of 30 passing for 144 yards and two touchdowns. He had no interceptions, which was a key to the Browns winning the contest.

The Browns saw strong production from their running game. Cleveland rushed for 132 yards on 30 carries. Quinshon Judkins led the Browns with 70 yards on 18 carries.

Cleveland is a surprise 2-1 after three weeks. The Browns’ win against the Panthers showed they can fight through adversity and beat a playoff-caliber team. Now, Cleveland has a chance to make a statement against Pittsburgh on Thursday night.

The Browns drew harsh rebuke from former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin after they lost 34-10 to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. Cleveland then pulled an upset in Week 2, beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-19 on the road.