BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski announced that rookie Shedeur Sanders will continue as the starting quarterback. This decision comes even after fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel has cleared the concussion protocol. Sanders, a fifth-round draft pick, will lead the team into their upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Sanders’ Impressive Debut
In his first NFL start, Sanders demonstrated his potential by completing 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, including one touchdown and one interception. This performance helped the Browns secure a 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, marking a significant milestone for both Sanders and the franchise. His win ended a lengthy 17-game losing streak for the team with quarterbacks making their first career starts.
Franchise History
With this victory, Sanders became the 42nd quarterback to start for the Browns since 1999. Notably, he is the first Cleveland quarterback to win his initial NFL start since Eric Zeier in 1995. This win also ended a streak that has not been matched by any franchise since the first recorded starts in 1950.
Coaching Outlook
- Stefanski emphasized the importance of winning in a quarterback’s role.
- He stated, “The No. 1 job of a quarterback is to win.”
- Coaches and players will focus on continual improvement.
When asked whether Sanders would remain the starter week-to-week, Stefanski indicated that the focus would be on the upcoming game without delving into future decisions.
Gabriel’s Performance
Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick, started the previous five games before suffering a concussion against the Baltimore Ravens. In his eight games with six starts, Gabriel has completed 59.2% of his passes, throwing for 937 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. During his tenure, the Browns recorded a 1-4 record in games he began prior to his injury.
Future of the Quarterback Position
The situation presents a pivotal moment for the Browns as they navigate the quarterback dilemma. As Sanders prepares for his second start, the team looks to build on their latest success and continue developing their young talent.
