How Did Shedeur Sanders Do in First Browns Start?

By James Brizuela

Contributing Writer

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The Cleveland Browns have had a unique quarterback situation in 2025. After Joe Flacco started for the team for four games, he was replaced by rookie Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel led the team for the next six games, but he suffered a concussion in Week 11, leading to fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders getting his first NFL start.

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Pundits, fans, and more have called for Sanders to start over Gabriel, especially considering the Browns only won one game under Gabriel. That said, Sanders got his chance to start on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Sanders and the Browns have dominated most of the day, but a big part of that has to do with the eight sacks that Cleveland's defense has thrown at Geno Smith.

Sanders has also played some good football on the day, showing some elite throws, while also committing some rookie mistakes.

What Were Shedeur Sanders' Stats in His First NFL Start?

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Sanders ended the day throwing 11-for-20 attempts, 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Sanders opened the day by moving the ball very well. The Browns would go up 7-0 on some solid runs from Quinshon Judkins. Shortly after the first touchdown, the rookie quarterback showcased an elite throw, bombing the ball downfield to Isaiah Bond for 52 yards.

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The Browns would enact another Wildcat play, setting up Judkins for another touchdown run.

There was another elite throw from Sanders that was shot downfield to Jerry Jeudy, but he shockingly fumbled the ball after not paying attention to defenders behind him.

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Following the early 14-3 score, the Browns and Raiders would trade possessions through to the fourth quarter, stopping one another apart from a pair of field goals.

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In the fourth quarter, Sanders got his first NFL touchdown on a short pass to Dylan Thompson, who cut through defenders for a 66-yard touchdown.

Though there were moments when Sanders would hold the ball for too long instead of throwing it away, he put together an impressive performance. Apart from the one interception, the rookie showcased why he should be given more of a chance to start moving forward.

The Browns beat the Raiders with a final score of 24-10.

For more on the Browns and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.

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