Chuba Hubbard rushes for 204 yards as Carolina Panthers beat Cleveland Browns 21-7 in Week 3

Cleveland, OH - Chuba Hubbard supplied a 204-yard rushing performance, Bryce Young threw two touchdown passes to Darren Waller and the Carolina Panthers intercepted four passes in a 21-7 Week 3 victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Carolina's statistical advantages were substantial. The Panthers finished with 364 offensive yards, including 247 on the ground, while recording 18 first downs. Cleveland managed 173 offensive yards, 33 rushing yards and six first downs.

Hubbard was at the center of the Panthers' production. He carried 20 times, averaged more than 10 yards per attempt and scored one touchdown. His longest run covered 78 yards. Jonathon Brooks added 47 yards on 10 attempts, giving Carolina another productive option in a rushing attack that outgained Cleveland by 214 yards.

"When you finish with that kind of number, it means a lot of people did their jobs," Hubbard said. "I wanted to be decisive and get everything that was available. More than anything, I'm happy it came in a win."

Young complemented the rushing output with an efficient passing line. He completed 12 of 17 attempts for 134 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, finishing with a 108.4 passer rating. Both touchdown receptions belonged to Waller, who caught seven passes for 63 yards. Brooks also contributed as a receiver with a 27-yard catch, Young's longest completion of the game.

Carolina reached the red zone five times and finished those trips with two touchdowns and one field goal. The Panthers converted 3 of 11 third downs, the same rate as Cleveland, but their advantages in first downs and offensive yardage were pronounced.

"There were things I liked and things we can clean up," Young said. "We were efficient throwing the ball, and Darren gave us dependable production. I have to own the interception, but getting the win is what matters."

Waller's two-touchdown outing accounted for all of Young's scoring passes and gave him the game's highest reception total. His longest catch went for 23 yards.

"You want to be reliable whenever the ball comes your way," Waller said. "Seven catches and two scores is a good day, but the best part is that the offense had different people contributing. Chuba's performance speaks for itself."

Cleveland's offense produced more through the air than on the ground, but the passing game also carried the game's largest turnover total. Tua Tagovailoa completed 11 of 22 passes for 153 yards and one touchdown, with four interceptions and a 48.2 passer rating. Cleveland's team passing figure was 140 yards, and its rushing attack gained only 33.

Bobby Okereke recorded three of Carolina's four interceptions and returned them for a combined 33 yards. Mike Jackson supplied the other interception and added two pass deflections. The Panthers also registered two sacks.

"Four interceptions is the number that stands out for our group," Okereke said. "When the ball was there, we finished. Getting three personally is special, but seeing the whole defense produce like that is what you want."

The Browns did record four sacks and intercepted Young once. Their offense, however, was limited to one red-zone trip, which ended in a touchdown, and went 0-for-1 on fourth down. Tagovailoa's touchdown pass went to KC Concepcion Jr., who caught five passes for 63 yards.

"I can't put the ball in danger that many times," Tagovailoa said. "Four interceptions puts a lot on the entire team. We had some passing production, but the mistakes are impossible for me to ignore."

Carolina left Cleveland with a two-touchdown victory built around clear statistical margins: 364-173 in offensive yards, 247-33 in rushing yards and 18-6 in first downs. Hubbard's 204 rushing yards led the Panthers' biggest offensive category, while Okereke's three interceptions highlighted a four-pick defensive performance.

Up Next

The Carolina Panthers return home in Week 4 to host the Detroit Lions and will look to build on the victory. The Cleveland Browns remain home and turn their attention to a Week 4 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.