By Matthew CoudenShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberCleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders received his first taste of the NFL regular season, making his debut in Week 11. Cleveland's starter, Dillon Gabriel, was knocked out of the game with a concussion, which brought in his backup to show what he could do.
His first performance saw him complete four of his 16 pass attempts for a mere 47 yards. Along with that, Sanders threw an interception and took two sacks. Ultimately, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-16.
This week, Cleveland revealed that Sanders would get his first official NFL start in their next game against the Las Vegas Raiders. That gives the former Colorado Buffaloes star a chance to shine in a complete game.
In his first NFL games, skeptics and critics are examining every move and mistake Sanders makes. During "The Herd With Colin Cowherd," the Fox Sports personality spoke with Super Bowl winner Phil Simms, who gave his candid assessment of the quarterback and what he expects from him against the Raiders.
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..."Look, he looks to me like he plays really big on the field. Does he take too many sacks and try to extend plays? Absolutely. He did it last week when he came in the game. He did it in college," the two-time Super Bowl winner said.
"He's good at throwing the ball deep down the field. He's a good short thrower, but it's the in-betweens that you worry about," Simms told Cowherd.
However, he predicted that Sanders will play "really well" in his first NFL start against a subpar Raiders defense this weekend. He credited Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski for having a "deep throwing offense" in previous seasons, which is ideal for Sanders.
"I believe when they start the game this weekend, he'll be about eight-for-10 out of the first 10 throws, because they're going to give him screens, make sure it's easy, get him involved in the game," Simms predicted, adding as the game goes forth, he'll get more protection to allow him for deep pass attempts.
After his standout season at Colorado, Sanders dropped to a fifth-round pick at the NFL Draft due to his pre-draft interviews, leaving some teams sour on selecting him. Cleveland took a chance with the No. 144 pick, then he remained a backup for the Browns, who traded away veteran Joe Flacco and started Gabriel.
Gabriel's unfortunate situation gives Sanders an opportunity. Sunday gives him a fresh chance to show his capabilities as he tries to guide the Browns to their third win of the season against a 2-8 Raiders squad.
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