Shedeur Sanders might end the Browns' 17-QB losing streak, which began in 1995 with Eric Zeier.

Billy Heyen

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Shedeur Sanders has chance to break 17-QB Browns nightmare streak that dates to 1995 Eric Zeier image

TL;DR

  • Cleveland Browns have lost 17 consecutive first-time starting quarterbacks since 1999.
  • The streak began with Tim Couch in 1999 and includes Baker Mayfield and Johnny Manziel.
  • Eric Zeier was the last QB to win his debut start for the Browns in 1995.
  • Shedeur Sanders has an opportunity to end this remarkable quarterback losing streak.

The last 17 quarterbacks who made their first career start as the QB for the Cleveland Browns all lost.

There are two perspectives on Shedeur Sanders' performance in Las Vegas on Sunday. One is that his past experiences present significant challenges, while the other suggests the Browns are overdue for a positive outcome.

Either way, it's a remarkable drought.

The streak began with Tim Couch. He made his debut start in 1999 with The Browns, following his selection as the No. 1 overall pick, and suffered a loss.

Cleveland has seen 17 consecutive players make their NFL starting debut for the team, with Dillon Gabriel being the most recent example this year.

Eric Zeier was the last quarterback to achieve his inaugural win in a starting role for The Browns back in 1995, during the period when that part of the franchise relocated to Baltimore.

The guys to lose in this setup since then:

  • Tim Couch
  • Spergon Wynn
  • Luke McCown
  • Charlie Frye
  • Derek Anderson
  • Brady Quinn
  • Colt McCoy
  • Brandon Weeden
  • Thaddeus Lewis
  • Johnny Manziel
  • Connor Shaw
  • Cody Kessler
  • DeShone Kizer
  • Kevin Hogan
  • Baker Mayfield
  • Dorian Thompson-Robinson
  • Dillon Gabriel

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A few of these games were exciting.

Mayfield, for example, lost 45-42 to the Oakland Raiders in overtime. 

Kessler also went to OT before falling to the Dolphins, and Quinn lost a tight 34-30 clash with the Broncos.

But there was some ugly, too.

Wynn lost 48-0 to the Jaguars. Manziel lost 30-0 to the Bengals. DTR lost 28-3 to the Ravens.

The Browns don't have Gabriel this week because of a concussion, which gives Sanders a chance to be the guy to end the drought.

"I think it's going to be exciting... I know you can't miss it -- you cannot miss this moment," Sanders told ESPN this week. "... We going out there with a purpose, going out there mentally ready, no distractions, no anything, and I'll be excited."

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Staff Writer