Browns edge Panthers 24-23

CLEVELAND (AP) — John Kasay missed a 42-yard field goal that grazed the left upright as time expired Sunday, allowing the Cleveland Browns to escape with a 24-23 win over Carolina, giving ex-Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme a little satisfaction.

Kasay had a chance to win it for the Panthers (1-10) after rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen drove them to Cleveland’s 25, completing a beautiful sideline pass to Brandon LaFell with five seconds left.

After the play was reviewed, Kasay pulled his kick just wide to the left, ending another tight game for coach Eric Mangini and the Browns (4-7), who led 21-7 at halftime.

Cleveland’s Peyton Hillis rushed for 131 yards and three touchdowns, and Delhomme passed for 245 yards in his first start at home for the Browns, who signed him in March after he was released by Carolina.

Full story appears in Monday’s edition of The Vindicator.