Why Shedeur Sanders isn't Browns' key to victory vs. Raiders

Matt Sullivan

•
Why Shedeur Sanders isn't Browns' key to victory vs. Raiders image

The Cleveland Browns were finally forced to make the most anticipated quarterback switch this season. After Dillon Gabriel's concussion, Shedeur Sanders is getting his first NFL start.

But this won't be the first time Sanders steps onto an NFL field. Against the Baltimore Ravens, Sanders struggled against a strong Ravens defense and finished his day going 4-for-16 for 47 yards with one interception and two sacks for 27 yards lost.

Now, in his first start against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sanders has a chance to bounce back. But, as Ben Solak of ESPN notes, the Browns' key to victory in Week 12 isn't through Sanders, but instead through a different facet of the offense.

Why Shedeur Sanders isn't the Browns' key to victory in Week 12

"Everyone is excited to see Sanders," Solak writes, "but the Browns' path to offensive victory relies on an under-center, physical running game."

The Raiders have a weak defense, but if there is one facet of their game that can be impactful, it's their pass rush. Maxx Crosby is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, and he can dominate a game like Myles Garrett can.

Instead of running a deep drop-back offense with Sanders, going under-center and running the ball often with Quinshon Judkins is a significantly easier path to success against this Raiders defense.

Sanders will still have a role, but his susceptibility to taking sacks makes running the ball more often than not the best game plan against the Raiders. The Browns don't need Sanders to be a hero; they need him to not turn the ball over or take drive-ending sacks.

Using the ground game with Judkins is the best way forward for the Browns. It might not be ideal for those tuning in to watch Sanders, but getting a win in his first NFL start would be a positive, even if he isn't a focal point of the offense.

More: Shannon Sharpe blasts Browns for Shedeur Sanders' decision amid NFL debut

Judkins has 620 yards and five touchdowns on 157 carries this season. The rookie running back has been a big part of the offense and has shown the ability to run the ball well, even against tough defensive fronts.

Judkins has struggled recently, running for 59 yards on 17 carries against the Ravens, 75 yards on 22 carries against the New York Jets, and 19 yards on nine carries against the New England Patriots.

The Raiders' defense has allowed 1,073 rushing yards, 14th best in the NFL. Facing this middle-of-the-pack defense against the run, the Browns need Judkins, Dylan Sampson, and Jerome Ford to put together a strong day on the ground.

While many will tune in to watch Sanders in his first NFL start, the Browns' offensive game plan should revolve around Judkins and the running game. It might not be pretty, but Sanders' main plan should be handing the ball off to the Browns' running backs.

More Browns News:

Staff Writer