Shedeur Sanders made franchise history as he led the Cleveland Browns to a 24-10 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders in his first NFL start on December 3, 2023. This win marked a significant milestone, as Sanders became the first Browns quarterback since the team re-entered the league in 1999 to win his debut game, according to Ari Meirov from The 33rd Team. Prior to this match, Browns quarterbacks had unsuccessfully attempted 17 times to secure a victory in their first career starts.
Sanders displayed a commendable performance, completing 11 of 20 passes for a total of 209 yards, along with one touchdown and one interception. His standout moment came during the game when he executed a remarkable 52-yard pass to wide receiver Isaiah Bond. Forced to roll out to his right, Sanders made the throw on the run, which set up the Browns’ second touchdown of the game.
In the fourth quarter, Sanders achieved another personal milestone by throwing his first NFL touchdown pass. He connected with rookie running back Dylan Sampson on a swing pass that Sampson turned into an impressive 66-yard touchdown run. Despite the victory, Sanders’ performance was not without its challenges; he also threw an interception that was notably thrown into a crowd of three Raiders defenders.
Overall, Sanders’ debut showcased his potential, and many believe he has earned the opportunity to start again in the upcoming Week 13 game, even if fellow quarterback Dillon Gabriel returns from injury. The Browns’ success under Sanders reflects a promising future for the franchise, which has struggled in recent years to find stability at the quarterback position.
As the NFL season progresses, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Sanders as he continues to develop his skills and seek further victories for the Browns.
