The Cleveland Browns have won two games in a row after taking down the Carolina Panthers 21-18 in their home opener in Week 3. It was a game where Cleveland rallied late with a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.

Deshaun Watson stepped up in big moments, and the Browns defense held firm to prevent a Carolina comeback in the second half after leading 10-3 at halftime.

With the win in hand, there are clear winners and losers from this one for the Browns.

Winners vs. Panthers 

Mason Graham leads the way. The Browns’ second-year defensive tackle had a monster game, recording two sacks against the Panthers to bring his season total to four sacks through three games. One of those sacks came on Carolina’s second-to-last drive, a massive moment where Graham stepped up. He added a tackle for loss and was dominant along the interior all afternoon.

Deshaun Watson belongs on this list despite a rough first three quarters. Watson didn’t play well for most of the game, finishing 16-of-30 for 145 passing yards and two touchdown passes. The key, though, is that he did not turn the ball over. He was sacked just twice and added 45 rushing yards. When the Browns needed points on a game-winning drive, Watson delivered, finding tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for the go-ahead score.

Harold Fannin Jr. scored both of Cleveland’s touchdowns and finished with seven receptions for 52 yards. He is perhaps the Browns’ best pass catcher at this point. He can do damage after the catch, and anytime Cleveland gets the ball in his hands, you feel good about it. He had one tough drop, but he made up for it in a big way with the game-winning touchdown.

Quinshon Judkins had a solid day on the ground. He didn’t have a rush longer than 11 yards, but he carried the ball 18 times for 70 yards. It was the kind of production the Browns needed from him, and he couldn’t afford a stinker against a Panthers rush defense that hasn’t been good to this point.

Raheim Sanders deserves recognition as the Browns’ third-down back with Dylan Sampson out. Sanders carried the ball once for 17 yards and caught four passes for 34 yards. He moved the chains multiple times for Cleveland, and he might honestly be better in that role. It was great to see him contribute.

Denzel Ward locked things down on the outside. The Browns cornerback held Panthers wide receiver Tet McMillan to just two catches for 17 yards. With Tyson Campbell out, Ward wasn’t targeted often, and it was Carolina’s tight ends that did the majority of the damage to Cleveland’s defense rather than the receivers Ward was covering.

Ronnie Hickman Jr. had a bounce back game after not playing well last week in a big way. Hickman had a game sealing interception but he had eight tackles as well, and was all over the field in this one. 

Losers vs. Panthers 

Tytus Howard had another rough outing. The Browns’ right tackle turned in a third straight tough game to start the season, racking up four penalties and allowing multiple pressures. He is the weak link on this offense right now. Howard is hurting the team badly at times, and the Browns need more from a veteran on an offensive line that features two rookies.

Malachi Corley had a day to forget. He fumbled on a kickoff return coming out of halftime, which allowed Carolina to score a field goal. He also drew a tough penalty deep in Panthers territory during the fourth quarter. Corley has to be reliable on special teams, and this wasn’t the kind of performance that inspires confidence.