Browns offensive snap counts vs. Panthers: Lots of productive reps

Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on offense for the Cleveland Browns’ first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.

• We already talked about the solid performance that Shedeur Sanders had. Even more than the stats, it was the eye test, and he showed a lot of promise. Remember, he’s been saddled with the fewest reps in camp, and also with the bottom of the depth chart, which can explain some of the pre-snap issues or miscommunications in practice. He looked comfortable against Carolina. Now granted, they also aren’t the best competition, but that’s not Sanders’ fault.
• For years, I feel like we haven’t had situations in which we see our offensive players even have the chance to put up good plays on film because the preseason offense is so stagnant. Maybe I’m just being a bit forgetful, but it’s so nice to see names we’ve been hearing in camp — like Greg Larvadain and Luke Floriea — make some nice catches. Kaden Davis also caught two touchdown passes, elevating his stock a bit. Unfortunately for Floriea, he may have a hamstring injury, which is the type of thing that could see a receiver land on IR in training camp.
• We didn’t see any starters play on offense, but we saw a few veterans/top backups play, showing their current level on the depth chart: that would include offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas, offensive guard Teven Jenkins, wide receivers Jamari Thrash and Diontae Johnson, tight end Harold Fannin, and running back Dylan Sampson. We saw very little of Fannin, though, who didn’t register a stat in six snaps.
• The Browns were 6-of-15 (40%) on third downs. They out-gained Carolina 308 yards to 251 yards.
• It should be worth noting that the offensive line protected very well against Carolina, which gave Sanders more time to throw. On one hand, that’s a good sign for the offense. On the other hand, it didn’t give us a chance to see what Sanders would be able to do against a better defense.