Cleveland Browns vs. Carolina Panthers: Complete Report Card Grades for Carolina
The Carolina Panthers (6-8-1) sent their fans home happy after notching a big victory over the Cleveland Browns (7-8) in the team's home finale. The Panthers defeated the Browns 17-13 in a game that was mostly controlled by Carolina early on, but saw Cleveland play better in the second half and even take the lead at one point.
Carolina's offense struggled early in the second half but made up for it in the final quarter with a touchdown and a 30-yard run by Jonathan Stewart that gave the Panthers 1st-and-goal after the two-minute warning.
Cam Newton made his return and accounted for both of Carolina's touchdowns. However, it was the defense that kept the Panthers alive in this one and was the difference-maker in a game decided by four points.
There were some struggles by the Panthers, but there were some good moments, too. Mistakes were made but overcome, and now Carolina will challenge for the division crown next week in Atlanta.
Quarterback
1 of 10
It was good to see Cam Newton back on the field following his horrific car accident two weeks ago. He didn't seem to miss a step, but he was a bit rusty in the passing game. This was noticeable with his completion percentage and accuracy on some throws.
On the day, he was 18-of-31 for 201 yards with one passing touchdown and an interception.
He didn't seem fazed running the ball, as he rushed for 63 yards on 12 carries and scored a touchdown. Credit the offensive line for selling the illusion he was going left when he actually went right and scampered untouched into the end zone.
This was a big game for the talented young quarterback, and he rose to the occasion. He had his share of mistakes, namely the interception, which was thrown on the run and tipped by a Cleveland defensive lineman. Normally, he wouldn't have risked such a throw.
However, it only resulted in three points.
Had Carolina played a team other than the sliding Cleveland Browns, the result may have been different. Newton will have to be on his A-game and play flawlessly next week if he wants to see his Panthers repeat as division champions.
Grade: B-
Running Backs
2 of 10
Jonathan Stewart is playing like a man who really wants to stick around for the foreseeable future. He enjoyed his second 100-yard game of the year and was instrumental in putting Carolina ahead late in the game. Additionally, it was his 30-yard run that sealed the win for the Panthers with just under two minutes to play.
Stewart carried the ball 24 times and gained 122 yards.
His accolades weren't limited to the ground game, either. He caught two passes for a paltry seven yards, but one of those catches was a touchdown. He was wide open and made it easy for Cam Newton to hit him for the go-ahead score.
Perhaps the most frustrating thing to come out of the Carolina backfield Sunday was the play of Mike Tolbert. He was finally utilized inside the red zone and especially down at the goal line. However, he was ineffective and finished the day with 19 yards rushing on seven carries.
Despite this, Week 16 was all about Stewart and his contributions on offense. Had it not been for his ability to cut back inside and gain positive yardage on the majority of his runs, the Panthers might not have been as successful moving the ball.
Grade: A
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
3 of 10
More was expected from the Carolina receivers on Sunday, but fortunately, the drop in production didn't really hurt since the Panthers claimed victory. Both Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen were unusually quiet, combining for six catches and 68 yards.
Benjamin led the way with five receptions for 47 yards.
Jerricho Cotchery shared the team lead in catches and finished with 46 yards receiving. He was targeted a lot in the early part of the game, and it seemed as though he might have taken the attention away from Cam Newton's primary targets.
That wasn't the case, but the unit still made some big catches when it mattered most.
One such catch was by Brenton Bersin, who made a spectacular grab that was initially ruled incomplete, but replay showed that the ball was inbounds and gave Carolina 1st-and-goal. This would set up the Panthers' fourth-quarter touchdown.
Hopefully, the receivers play better and are able to do more next week. There will be a lot at stake, and coming up short will be unacceptable.
Grade: C+
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Offensive Line
4 of 10
The starting line has consisted of Ryan Kalil at center, Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell at guard and Byron Bell and Mike Remmers at tackle. This particular line combination has been the reason for the improved play of the offense and is the reason why the running game has been effective in recent weeks.
The same story applied on Sunday.
Sure, the unit did allow Newton to be sacked, but he was kept clean for much of the game. He was given time to move around in the pocket, and when he had to run there was room for him to gain decent yardage. There is no doubt Jonathan Stewart was appreciative of the line's efforts, as he enjoyed a big day.
Carolina's key to victory rests with the big hog-mollies up front. So far, they have proven they can get the job done, and this will be a crucial element going into next week.
Grade: B+
Defensive Line
5 of 10
One has to wonder how big a year Charles Johnson would be having if Greg Hardy wasn't sitting out the season. He notched another sack against Brian Hoyer (pictured) and was a disruptive force off the outside edge. Johnson would finish the day with two tackles, but he made the most of his time on the field.
He was one of the reasons why Johnny Manziel was inconsistent passing the ball and batted down a pass in the first quarter.
However, Johnson was not the only Carolina defensive lineman to enjoy getting to the quarterback.
Both Kony Ealy and Kawann Short were able to earn a sack, giving the Carolina defense three on the day. The Panthers were very aggressive in the pass rush (a little too much in the fourth quarter), but aside from the long touchdown given up late in the game, the line played well.
That same level of tenacity and aggressiveness will be needed next week, especially with a gifted quarterback going against them.
Grade: B+
Linebackers
6 of 10
If Johnny Manziel ever meets Colin Jones and Luke Kuechly on the gridiron again, it will be too soon. Cleveland's rookie quarterback found himself on the receiving end of a big hit from both Jones and Kuechly that not only knocked him out of bounds but knocked him out of the game.
Kuechly led Carolina defenders with seven tackles, but it was another game that saw him fail to reach double-digit numbers. Jones had three, but he has quietly established himself as a hard-hitting linebacker who can make plays on defense.
Thomas Davis was back in action after hyper-extending his knee last week. Normally, he's on Kuechly's heels in the tackle department, but he accounted for just two on the day. The important thing here is Davis was on the field and looked solid.
Grade: B
Secondary
7 of 10
Note to the Panthers defense: If you're going to get beat on the blitz, do not get beat by a tight end. Especially if that play results in an 81-yard touchdown.
But that is what happened when Carolina brought an all-out blitz in the fourth quarter. Brian Hoyer saw it and was able to hit a wide-open Jordan Cameron for the long touchdown. The play momentarily put the Browns ahead, as the there was little coverage over the middle of the secondary.
Other than that, it was a good day for Panthers defensive backs.
Well, Josh Norman may want a mulligan on a fumble. He picked off a Hoyer pass using his body and vertical leaping ability to come down with it. He was not content with just intercepting the pass, however, and was stripped as he tried to get his team better field position.
The fumble was recovered by Cleveland, but the interception alone was incredible.
Norman has been on fire as of late, but his youth and enthusiasm nearly hurt his team here. It may have been better had he just gone to the ground after picking off the pass, but he needs to remember better ball control next time. He would lead the secondary with five tackles.
Roman Harper was right behind him with four. He even knocked away a pass that killed a Cleveland drive. Rookie Bene Benwikere had another solid outing with three tackles and a defensed pass.
Overall, this was a good day for the Carolina secondary...aside from the long touchdown pass it gave up.
Grade: B-
Special Teams
8 of 10
Graham Gano had another miss, this time from 49 yards out. It was his second missed field goal beyond 45 yards in the past two weeks and should raise questions about his accuracy from long distance. He did connect from 23 yards out later on, and that would give the Panthers their first lead of the game. He was perfect on both PATs.
Brad Nortman was instrumental in the field position game, punting four times with an average of 49.8 yards per punt. His efforts made the Cleveland offense work and served as a reason for why the Browns would see their offense stall out, especially past midfield.
Both Fozzy Whittaker and Breton Bersin did their part in the return game. Neither turned the ball over and neither made a poor decision prior to fielding a punt or kick.
There are some minor issues to be concerned about here, but the main focus should be on Gano's long range accuracy. It may be important moving forward.
Grade: B+
Coaching
9 of 10
Ron Rivera won just one challenge all season entering Sunday's game. Against Cleveland, he won two. Both kept Carolina drives alive, and in the case of one of them, kept the ball with the Panthers. Say what you will about Rivera, but he has proven to be the right coach to helm a team late in the season. This is the fourth consecutive year in which he has a winning record in December.
The overall game plan was solid: Run the ball and take advantage of a poor rush defense.
The success experienced on the ground allowed for some aggressiveness late and helped Carolina both convert and retain possession.
How he does in his play-calling next week may be his defining moment of the season, but for now, he has his team in first place and a win away from repeating as NFC South champions.
Grade: A
Final Grade
10 of 10
Quarterback: B-
Running Backs: A
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: C+
Offensive Line: B
Defensive Line: B+
Linebackers: B
Secondary: B-
Special Teams: B+
Coaching: A
Final Grade: A-
It wasn't the best game from Carolina, but a win is a win. The fact that this game had a lot riding on it and that the team looked dead in the water a few weeks ago, the victory will probably go down as one of the biggest this season.
Carolina may end the season with a losing record, but there is no denying this is a hot team that is finding ways to win at the right time.
Game and player information provided via ESPN.com.
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