Shedeur Sanders starting debut grades: Browns rookie QB rates high with revenge vs. Raiders

Vinnie Iyer

•
Shedeur Sanders starting debut grades: Browns rookie QB rates high with revenge vs. Raiders image

Shedeur Sanders had a rough NFL debut as the Browns' fifth-round rookie quarterback when coming in cold and unprepared against the Ravens' defense in Week 11. Knowing he was likely was starting and getting the first-team reps ahead of facing the Raiders in Week 12, the results were much different.

Sanders and the Browns rolled the Raiders in Las Vegas, with the QB a little extra motivated facing the team that chose not to draft him in April. Sanders looked the part in control of the offense and his numbers and play added up to a solid 24-10 victory.

Here's a full evaluation of Sanders' first start as a pro, which came much to the delight of his father Deion Sanders, who was watching from an Allegiant Stadium sky box Sunday:

Shedeur Sanders's stats vs. Raiders

Passing: 11-of-20, 209 yards, 55.0 completion percentage, 10.0 yards per attempt, sack, TD, INT, 108.1 passer rating.

Rushing: 1 carry, -1 yards.

Sanders did everything to help his team win, leaning on a dominant pass rush keeping Geno Smith and the Raiders from scoring too much. He also made sure his talented rookie running backs were huge factors, scoring with Quinshon Judkins' power in the red zone and Dylan Sampson's speed in open field.

Shedeur Sanders starting debut grade

What Sanders did well

Sanders doesn't have top-flight arm strength, but he can still make all the throws when protected. His best throw was a pretty deep ball to fellow rookie Isaiah Bond an accurate 54-yard strike. That throw set up the Browns' second touchdown run from Judkins.

Sanders later hit veteran wide receiver Jerry Jeudy streaking downfield for a 39-yard gain, which unfortunately resulted in a fumble when Jeudy was stripped by Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn.

Sanders has this asset in his favor over Dillon Gabriel, but the other issues with his raw game is what might push him back to bench once Gabriel is cleared from his concussion.

Go figure Sanders did hit on a "longer" pass for his first TD when Sampson caught the ball in the backfield and burst almost untouched through the entire Raiders' defense for a 66-yard fourth-quarter score to put away the game.

What Sanders didn't do well

The Browns put an emphasis on Sanders getting the ball out quickly, a smart game plan with Maxx Crosby powering the Raiders' pass rush. Las Vegas' front also had to be ready to slow down Judkins and the running game first. The play-calling was more careful and calculated to build Sanders' confidence with favorable completions.

Sanders was relegated to the pocket and there was no reason to be too risky with his play. He struggled with inaccuracy and ball placement at times when he missed, even with improved decision-making from Week 11. He still put the ball in harm's way, giving the Raiders an easy interception over the middle.

For all those hot takes on the Browns' coaching staff not wanting Sanders to success and putting him in tough position, the game plan was well tailored to play to his simple strengths and limit exposure to his physical limitations.

Should Sanders keep starting over Gabriel for the final six games, regardless of Gabriel's health? Although the Raiders were a good first test against a weak defense, Cleveland should want to see more of Sanders in evaluation mode. 

Sanders deserves another shot, at least vs. The 49ers next week to build on his positive experience.

Sanders grade: B

Senior Writer

News Correspondent