In a tightly contested battle, the Carolina Panthers topped the Cleveland Browns 27-19 in Week 3 of the 2026 season, securing a crucial victory that boosts their momentum. Both teams were looking to establish their early-season identity, but it was the Panthers who found a way to come out on top. Bryce Young led the Panthers' offense effectively, throwing for one touchdown while managing the game well. Chuba Hubbard was a standout on the ground, racking up 101 rushing yards to keep the chains moving and maintain offensive balance. On the other side, Taylen Green had a remarkable day for the Browns, amassing 362 passing yards, but the team struggled to convert that yardage into points. Defensively, the Panthers made key plays that shifted the momentum of the game, with Derrick Brown registering 1.5 sacks to disrupt Cleveland's rhythm. The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Carolina's defense held strong, forcing a crucial turnover that allowed them to maintain their lead. Despite Jerry Jeudy's impressive 150 receiving yards for the Browns, the defensive efforts from Carolina proved too much to overcome as they held off Cleveland in the final moments.