Fannin catches late winner as Browns edge Panthers 21-18

Harold Fannin Jr. caught his second touchdown of the day with 1:48 remaining, lifting Cleveland over Carolina 21-18 in the Browns' home opener Sunday. Deshaun Watson then connected with Denzel Boston for the two-point conversion, making the margin three. A deflected Bryce Young pass was intercepted by Ronnie Hickman on Carolina's last possession. The ESPN final summary puts Cleveland at 2-1 and Carolina at 1-2.

Cleveland led 10-0 late in the second quarter after a field goal and Fannin's first touchdown, a 2-yard catch from Watson. Carolina chipped away with four Ryan Fitzgerald field goals, taking a 12-10 lead early in the fourth. Andre Szmyt's second field goal put the Browns back ahead 13-12, but Young found John Metchie III for an 8-yard touchdown with 4:25 left. The Panthers missed the two-point try, leaving the door open for one Cleveland touchdown to win it.

Watson drove from behind and found Fannin from 14 yards on third down. Browns beat reporter Scott Petrak reported that a roughing-the-passer penalty erased a potential Watson interception on the drive. Watson briefly left for a snap, then returned to throw the winner and the two-point pass. The Browns' game highlights show the team's key plays from the win.

Watson completed 16 of 30 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Fannin caught seven passes for 51 yards and both scores. Quinshon Judkins ran 18 times for 70 yards. Young completed 26 of 48 for 291 yards, a touchdown and the late interception. Carolina outgained Cleveland 360-259 but converted only four of 15 third downs, according to the ESPN box score.

The Panthers' on-site report notes that Carolina lost several starters to injuries during the game, including receiver Jalen Coker and cornerback Jaycee Horn. Their availability needs a later team update; the result itself is final. Cleveland has won two straight and hosts Pittsburgh on Thursday night, while Carolina leaves another close game with an offense that turned much of its yardage into field goals.