Shedeur Sanders got his highly anticipated NFL regular season debut on Sunday. The end result was not what many Sanders fans would’ve hoped for. The Browns ultimately lost the game vs the Ravens 23-16. However, there were signs of development for Sanders in this game.
The former Colorado Buffalo with a massive fanbase stepped out onto the field on Sunday in the second half for his first regular season snaps. His entrance into the game was in backup duty as the gameday starter Dillon Gabriel was being evaluated for a concussion.
Just after a minute had elapsed in the second half, Sanders could be seen speaking with receivers, with his helmet on. CBS sideline reporter AJ Ross confirmed Gabriel was in the locker room being evaluated for a possible concussion and Sanders would enter the game.
Myles Garrett notched his fourth sack of the day to end that Ravens drive. Before punt returner Gage Larvadain got off the turf following the punt, the Cleveland Browns fans reacted to Sanders entering the game.
Details of Shedeur Sanders first regular season game
Sanders’ first play was a completion to Cedric Tillman. He also had multiple chunk yardage plays. A few throws were rushed due to offensive line’s inability to account for pressure. For Colorado fans, there were a few moments that looked strikingly familiar. Leading to signs of optimism from his first performance.
While there has been fan pushback that Sanders was NFL ready from the start, there were factors he needed to work on. Some of those things looked cleaned up, while one still seems to be an issue. Sanders’ biggest issue was pocket depth and a compulsion to extend plays when he shouldn’t. His pocket depth looked significantly better. He also stepped up in the pocket, despite a previous tendency to drift back.
There is still an issue with holding the ball too long, trying to create something out of nothing. Two of his three sacks were the result of trying to make something happen. That should improve with reps, especially in regular season games.
The good news is he looked the part. Footwork was good. The ball came out quickly on certain snaps. When he saw the opening, he didn’t hesitate to spin it (an issue that Gabriel still seems to struggle with as pointed out by Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees).
A bulk of his first game issues appeared to be first game action related. Coaches and analysts often speak of the adjustment. It's different in the regular season. Some of that reared its head today. Those aspects will get better the more he plays.
Statistically it did not look great. Four of sixteen for 47 yards, no touchdowns, one interception and a fumble. Upon further examination, there were six key drops all towards the latter end of the 4th quarter. Now some of those were passes is less than ideal locations, but drops, nonetheless.
Ifs don’t count but if we consider those ifs the stat line looks very different. If the passes that hit receiver's hands were caught, his stat line would’ve read 10 of 16 for 114 yards, one touchdown and one interception. That is only included to say, while his statline was ineffiecient, his passes were not erratic. With the exception of the Larvadain would be touchdown, today was the first time Shedeur threw to these receivers. Again, time and reps will improve those aspects.
Stefanski and Sanders post-game comments
In the post-game press conference several positives were given by both the quarterback in question and the head coach. Stefanski confirmed both that Gabriel is in the concussion protocol and that if Gabriel does not clear concussion protocol, Sanders would be the starter vs the Raiders next week.
When asked about Sanders’ performance, Stefanski said they will review the game tape, but he knows that Sanders will battle. When asked about how Sanders handled the pressure, Stefanski pivoted to “we need to protect better”. Stefanski also gave uncharacteristically more information than he was asked, but that comment speaks to the development he’s claimed is happening behind the scenes.
“Shedeur has made unbelievable strides in the meeting rooms, on the practice field, I know he wants to be better and will get better, but that’s just going to come from hard work.”
As for Sanders’ post game comments, he remained the Shedeur he was at Colorado.
Shedeur Sanders post game comments following NFL debut https://t.co/wocqJEK3hb via @YouTube
— AFR_Jones (@AfrFiction86890) November 17, 2025
Up next, the Browns prepare for a game vs the Raiders. Its unknown how severe the Gabriel concussion is. Whether Sanders gets his first start this week will completely depend on Gabriel’s progress through the concussion protocol. If he is able to resume a practice schedule by mid week, Gabriel could start that game. If he does not clear concussion protocol, Stefanski confirmed Sanders would start in his place.