Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made his NFL debut Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, entering at the start of the second half after starter Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion. Sanders completed 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards, threw one interception, and was sacked twice. He also contributed three carries for 16 yards on the ground. Cleveland led 16-10 at halftime but ultimately fell 23-16, highlighting the difficulties a rookie quarterback can face when transitioning to the NFL mid-game.
Sanders Faces Struggles, While Coaches Express Confidence in Rookie Quarterback’s Development
Sanders admitted that he struggled during his first professional action. He had difficulty connecting with receivers such as Jerry Jeudy and adjusting to live-game speed. In the closing minutes, the Browns advanced to the Ravens’ 25-yard line, but Sanders threw three consecutive incompletions, including a third-down attempt in the end zone broken up by cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. Cleveland turned the ball over on downs shortly afterward, allowing Baltimore to run out the clock and secure the win.
Shedeur Sanders (NFL)Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed confidence in Sanders, emphasizing trust in all players, including backups who face challenging situations. Gabriel, who had started the previous five games, completed 7 of 10 passes for 68 yards in the first half before being sidelined with a concussion.
Stefanski said Gabriel will start next Sunday against the Raiders if cleared by concussion protocol; otherwise, Sanders will make his first NFL start. Practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe is the only other option beyond Sanders, highlighting the importance of the rookie’s development.
Sanders Gains Valuable Experience, Adjusts to NFL, Supported by Teammates’ Encouragement
Despite the difficult performance, Sanders said he was thrilled to be back on the field and experiencing live NFL competition. This game marked his first time playing with the starting offense, as he had spent training camp practicing primarily with second- and third-string players. Sanders emphasized the value of gaining in-game experience and adjusting to professional defenses. Stefanski noted that the team prioritized giving Gabriel first-team reps in practice, which limited Sanders’ exposure to the starting lineup before this game.
Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer and Colorado football coach Deion Sanders, was initially projected as a potential first-round pick but fell to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, where Cleveland selected him with the 144th overall pick. He earned the backup role after the Browns traded Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, leaving him as the immediate successor behind Gabriel.
Defensive end Myles Garrett praised Sanders’ mindset, emphasizing that the team approaches every game collectively and does not place individual blame. The support from teammates aims to help Sanders navigate the challenges of his rookie NFL season while continuing to develop his skills.
