Shedeur Sanders Makes Promising Debut in Browns’ Victory Over Raiders
In a commanding 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made a successful NFL starting debut. The fifth-round draft pick, who had been waiting for his opportunity behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, seized his chance with both hands, becoming the first Browns rookie quarterback to win his first start since 1995. Sanders displayed poise and potential throughout the game, finishing with 11 completions on 20 attempts for 209 yards, including a touchdown pass and an interception. While not a perfect performance, his ability to manage the game effectively and make key throws when needed showcased why the Browns coaching staff decided to give him this opportunity.
The game’s standout moment came in the fourth quarter when Sanders connected with running back Dylan Sampson on a screen pass that the nimble back turned into an explosive 66-yard touchdown. This play effectively sealed the victory by extending Cleveland’s lead to 24-3. Earlier in the game, Sanders showed his arm talent with a beautiful 52-yard strike to receiver Isaiah Bond, which nearly resulted in a touchdown if not for a last-second tackle by Raiders defender Darnay Holmes. These flashes of brilliance demonstrated Sanders’ ability to stretch the field and make impact plays—qualities that the Browns have been desperately seeking from their quarterback position during this challenging season.
The Browns’ rookie class as a whole made a significant impact in this victory, with running back Quinshon Judkins setting the tone early. Judkins punched in two touchdowns in the first quarter, providing Sanders with the ground support necessary for a balanced offensive attack. Unfortunately, Judkins suffered an injury in the third quarter that sidelined him for the remainder of the game. However, fellow running back Dylan Sampson stepped up admirably in his absence, not only scoring on the aforementioned screen pass but also helping maintain the offensive rhythm that kept the Raiders defense off balance. This collective rookie performance highlights the promising young talent Cleveland has assembled as they build for the future.
Cleveland’s defense proved absolutely dominant throughout the contest, harassing Raiders quarterback Geno Smith relentlessly. The Browns recorded an astonishing 10 sacks, with star defensive end Myles Garrett—the NFL’s sack leader—accounting for three of those takedowns. The defensive pressure was widespread, with Maliek Collins adding 2.5 sacks and Devin Bush, Cameron Thomas, and Isaiah McGuire each contributing one sack apiece. This overwhelming defensive performance not only limited the Raiders to just 10 points but also created favorable field position and momentum-shifting plays that helped Sanders and the offense operate from advantageous positions throughout the game. The complementary football displayed by Cleveland provided an ideal environment for a rookie quarterback making his first start.
Perhaps most impressive about Sanders’ performance was his composure under pressure. Despite facing a Raiders defense intent on making his first start a nightmare, the rookie quarterback was sacked just once all game—a testament to his pocket awareness, decision-making, and the solid protection provided by Cleveland’s offensive line. Sanders didn’t attempt to do too much or force plays that weren’t there, instead taking what the defense gave him and occasionally connecting on bigger plays when the opportunities presented themselves. This mature approach belies his rookie status and suggests that with more experience, Sanders could develop into a reliable NFL starter who makes sound decisions with the football.
With this victory, Sanders has potentially secured himself additional starting opportunities as the Browns evaluate their quarterback situation for both the remainder of this season and beyond. While one game is far too small a sample size to make definitive judgments about his long-term potential, the rookie quarterback demonstrated enough positive attributes to warrant continued development and assessment. He showed flashes of arm talent, good decision-making under pressure, and the ability to execute in key moments—all while helping deliver a convincing road victory. As the Browns continue navigating their quarterback situation, Sanders’ promising debut gives the coaching staff and fans alike reason for cautious optimism about what might lie ahead for both the young signal-caller and the franchise.
