Shedeur Sanders' time in the NFL finally came when the Cleveland Browns played against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. After replacing starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel in last week's game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sanders invited criticism because of his lackluster play. However, he was able to shut down critics in his maiden NFL start this week.
Sanders completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, threw one touchdown and one interception in the 24-10 win against the Raiders. With the win, the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback became the first Browns rookie since 1995 to win his debut game.
Sanders benefited from the standout Browns defense that took down the Raiders quarterback 10 times successfully. Three of those sacks came from Myles Garrett.
The most notable moment came in the fourth quarter when a screen play allowed running back Dylan Sampson to race 66 yards to the end zone, giving Cleveland a 24-3 lead. This was also the same play when Sanders recorded his first touchdown pass.
"A lot of people wanted to see me fail. You know, it ain't gonna happen," Sanders said in his postgame press conference.
Shedeur Sanders waited so long
It's a long time coming for Shedeur Sanders. Deion Sanders' son was initially projected to go in the first round, but unexpectedly, he had to wait till Day 2, when the Browns finally came calling to select him in the fifth round.
Sanders received the nod to start the preseason opener for the Browns, and he actually did well. However, an oblique injury forced him to the bench, but he still made the cut to the 53-man roster.
The Colorado standout had to wait for his turn as the Browns played through different quarterbacks right from the preseason. The Browns traded Kenny Pickett and named Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback. However, after a few games, they traded him to the Cincinnati Bengals and handed the reins to rookie Dillon Gabriel, who was selected two rounds ahead of Sanders in the 2025 NFL draft.
Gabriel suffered a concussion last game, paving the way for Sanders to get his first action in the field. However, he failed miserably, throwing for only 47 yards and one interception.
Now, it seems he has redeemed himself, and it remains to be seen if he stays as QB1 even when Gabriel returns from a concussion.
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