Browns Lead Panthers at Halftime as Watson Returns

The Browns led the Carolina Panthers 10-3 at halftime of Cleveland’s home opener, with Deshaun Watson throwing a late second-quarter touchdown to Harold Fannin. Watson received a subdued but non-hostile welcome as he returned to Cleveland’s regular-season home field for the first time since tearing his Achilles there in 2024. Cleveland’s defense stopped Carolina on multiple third- and fourth-down attempts, while 10 penalties for 74 yards helped keep the Panthers in the game; Carolina’s only points came on a field goal. The reception followed Cleveland’s Week 2 win over Tampa Bay, which had eased some scrutiny of Watson and his relationship with fans.