The Cleveland Browns have announced that Shedeur Sanders will make his debut as the starting quarterback in an upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders. This announcement comes from head coach Kevin Stefanski, as current starter Dillon Gabriel is still in the concussion protocol.
Shedeur Sanders’ Journey to Starting QB
Shedeur Sanders, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, started his NFL journey as the fourth-string quarterback for the Browns. He has moved up the depth chart and will be the 42nd quarterback to start for the franchise since its return to the NFL in 1999.
Historical Context
Starting with his debut, Sanders will join a long list of quarterbacks for the Browns. Notable names include:
- Tim Couch – 59 starts
- Baker Mayfield – 59 starts
- Derek Anderson – 34 starts
- Deshaun Watson – 19 starts
- Johnny Manziel – 8 starts
- Others: 36 other quarterbacks
Overall, 41 different quarterbacks have led the Browns since 1999.
Previous Game Performance
In his first NFL appearance against the Baltimore Ravens, Shedeur Sanders completed 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards and one interception, while being sacked twice. This performance came after Dillon Gabriel was ruled out due to a concussion.
Stefanski emphasized the importance of practice reps for Sanders to build chemistry with the starting unit. Following the Ravens game, Sanders expressed his eagerness to understand the offense better and felt the need to develop a connection with his teammates.
Off-Field Challenges
Recently, Sanders faced personal adversity as his home was broken into, resulting in approximately $200,000 in stolen property. Despite this, he maintained a positive outlook, stating he is mentally and emotionally prepared for the challenges ahead.
Future Outlook
As a fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft, Sanders was highly regarded, yet he has had to navigate a challenging path to the starting role. Although he missed preseason opportunities due to injuries, he showed his potential in games against the Carolina Panthers and others.
Now, with Gabriel sidelined, Sanders has the chance to prove himself as the starting quarterback. The Browns are counting on his readiness to turn the season around after a series of disappointing results, with Gabriel ranking last among qualifying quarterbacks in Total QBR.
Sanders remains confident in his abilities. He is determined to rise to the occasion and fulfill the expectations of Browns fans and the organization alike.
