UPDATE: Following the Cleveland Browns’ 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on October 1, 2023, all eyes are on rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders as speculation mounts about his starting role against the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday. Coach Kevin Stefanski remains tight-lipped about his decision, stating, “I’m not going to get into that.”
This uncertainty comes after Sanders’ impressive NFL debut, where he threw for 209 yards and a touchdown, leading the team to snap a 13-game road losing streak. The Browns now boast a record of 3-8 this season, raising questions on why Sanders, a fifth-round pick, wasn’t utilized sooner over third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, who struggled with a 1-5 record before being sidelined with a concussion.
Sanders completed 11 of 20 passes for an 87.3 passer rating in his first start, making history as the first Browns rookie quarterback to win his debut since Eric Zeier in 1995. His performance included a notable 52-yard pass to rookie Isaiah Bond, the longest play for the Browns this season, which set up a second touchdown for Quinshon Judkins.
“Offensively, there was some good, some bad, some big plays,” said Stefanski.
While Sanders did throw an interception, his ability to maintain composure under pressure and make crucial plays contributed significantly to the win. Fans are now eagerly anticipating whether he will be handed the starting position against the formidable 49ers next week.
As the Browns gear up for this pivotal matchup, the football community is buzzing with discussions about Sanders’ potential and the future direction of the team’s offense. Keep an eye on updates from Coach Stefanski as this story develops!
