Browns Edge Rams 19-17 in Preseason Finale: Flacco Sharp, Sanders Struggles, Huntley Clutch

The Cleveland Browns closed out their 2025 preseason with a thrilling 19-17 victory over the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field. The win capped a perfect 3-0 preseason record and gave fans plenty to talk about—especially the Browns’ ongoing quarterback shuffle and rookie Shedeur Sanders’ rocky outing.

First Half: Flacco and Gabriel Lead the Way

The Browns got off to a promising start with Joe Flacco under center. The veteran quarterback, who continues to prove his value as a steady hand, completed 9 of 10 passes for 71 yards, connecting with tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for an early touchdown. Flacco’s timing, composure, and accuracy provided Cleveland with an immediate spark.

Following Flacco, rookie Dillon Gabriel kept the offense rolling. Showing poise beyond his years, Gabriel led two scoring drives, including another touchdown pass that pushed the Browns’ lead. Together, Flacco and Gabriel combined for nearly 200 passing yards and two touchdowns in the first half, giving Cleveland a comfortable edge.

Meanwhile, the Rams had their own bright spot as young tight end Terrance Ferguson flashed potential in his debut, finishing with 48 receiving yards. Even in defeat, Ferguson gave Rams fans a glimpse of the future.

Read the full game recap here.

Second Half: Sanders Falters Under Pressure

The second half told a very different story for the Browns. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, entered the game with high expectations but struggled to find his footing.

Sanders completed just 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards while being sacked five times, including a massive 24-yard loss on one play that summed up his evening. His pocket awareness and decision-making under pressure remain areas of concern.

Cleveland’s offensive rhythm stalled under Sanders, and the Rams capitalized with a pair of late scores to make it a one-point game heading into the final minutes.

This performance sparked debate among fans and analysts alike—should the Browns keep four quarterbacks on the roster? And is Sanders ready for meaningful NFL snaps, or does he need more time to develop behind veterans like Flacco and Huntley?

Huntley Delivers in the Clutch

With the game hanging in the balance and less than two minutes remaining, coach Kevin Stefanski made a bold move: he turned to Tyler Huntley instead of sticking with Sanders.

Huntley immediately delivered. He completed a short pass, scrambled for a crucial first down, and orchestrated a 46-yard, six-play drive that put the Browns in field goal range. With the crowd on its feet, kicker Andre Szmyt calmly nailed a 37-yard field goal as time expired, sealing Cleveland’s 19-17 win.

Huntley’s composure in crunch time not only secured the victory but also strengthened his case for a roster spot. His ability to step in cold and execute a game-winning drive highlighted why teams value experienced backups.

Check more Browns coverage here.

Defensive Strength and Key Takeaways

While the quarterbacks drew most of the attention, the Browns’ defense once again showed why it’s considered one of the team’s biggest assets. The unit finished with:

• 4 sacks

• 8 tackles for loss

• 9 quarterback hits

This relentless pressure disrupted the Rams’ offense all night, forcing young quarterback Dresser Winn into rushed throws and limited production.

For the Rams, the loss wasn’t without positives. Along with Ferguson’s debut, depth players gained valuable reps, and the coaching staff got a closer look at how their roster battles are shaping up ahead of cut-down day.

What This Means for the Browns Going Forward

The Browns’ quarterback room is the talk of Cleveland. Here’s where things stand:

• Joe Flacco continues to bring veteran leadership and reliable play.

• Dillon Gabriel looks like a developing talent who could carve out a long-term role.

• Shedeur Sanders is clearly raw and will need time, patience, and coaching to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL.

• Tyler Huntley proved his worth as a situational leader who can step up in pressure moments.

General Manager Andrew Berry has hinted at the possibility of keeping four quarterbacks on the roster heading into Week 1. If that happens, it would be a rare move but one that speaks to the Browns’ desire for both depth and long-term development.

Explore more Rams vs. Browns analysis here.

Final Thoughts

The Browns’ 19-17 win over the Rams was more than just a preseason game—it was a snapshot of a team balancing veteran stability, rookie growing pains, and the constant evaluation that defines the NFL.

Cleveland leaves the preseason undefeated, but questions remain about how the quarterback depth chart will shape up. Fans can feel confident, however, that this roster is competitive, deep, and prepared to make noise in the regular season.

If Sanders develops as expected and Huntley continues to shine in limited moments, the Browns could have one of the most versatile quarterback rooms in football. For now, all eyes turn toward Week 1 as Cleveland looks to turn preseason momentum into meaningful wins.