The Panthers dropped their season-opener to the Browns 26-24. Here are some Carolina postgame notables.
Big Play Day
- This is the first time since 2019 at New Orleans (11/24/19), where the team had recorded at least two receptions of 50 or more yards in one game.
- TE Ian Thomas’s 50-yard reception is his new career long for receptions. His previous high was 41 yards last season against the Vikings (10/17/21)
- WR Robbie Anderson had a TD catch of 50+ yards for the third time in three years on Week 1. He went for 75 yards in 2020, 57 yards in 2021 and 75 yards in 2022.
Mayfield’s Debut
- In his first game with Carolina, QB Baker Mayfield totaled 235 passing yards and one passing touchdown, while also scoring his 6th career rushing touchdown in the third quarter.
- Mayfield’s touchdown pass to WR Robbie Anderson was his third career touchdown throw of 75 yards or more, tied for fourth-most in the NFL since 2018.
Return of the Mac
- RB Christian McCaffrey had 14 touches for 57 yards and a touchdown in his first game since Week 12 last year at Miami (11/28/21).
- He scored the team’s first touchdown of the season for the third time in the last four years. It marked his 31st career rushing touchdown.
- McCaffrey also recovered a fumble and gained 28-yards on a play in the 3rd quarter to set up a score.
Robbie Over the Top
- WR Robbie Anderson finished the game with 5 receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown. The performance marked Anderson’s first 100-yard game since 10/11/20 against Atlanta.
- WR Robbie Anderson scored his 11th career touchdown of 40+ yards.
Hey Woods
- Safety Xavier Woods led the Panthers with 10 tackles and a pass deflection in his Panthers debut. He joins Lester Towns (2000) and Brett Maxie (1995) as the only Panthers with double-digit tackles (press box stats) in a Week 1 debut with the team.
Still Streaking
- In 2021, Carolina went all 17 weeks without allowing a TD on the opponent’s opening drive. That streak continued on Sunday and now stands at 18 consecutive games.
Big Quarter
- Carolina Panthers scored 17 points in the 4th quarter for the first time since 12/13/20 vs Denver.
- Carolina had 211 net yards in the fourth quarter after managing just 50 net yards through the first three quarters.
Per Release
Stifling Defense Helps Duke Secure Home Victory Over North Carolina