Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made a strong first impression in his NFL debut, leading his team to a 30-10 preseason-opening win over the Carolina Panthers on Friday night.
Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, got the start and delivered two first-half touchdown passes, showing poise and accuracy despite limited preseason reps. His first score came early in the second quarter, threading a 7-yard strike to Kaden Davis in the back corner of the end zone. The play capped a short-field drive following a muffed punt recovery deep in Carolina territory, drawing an immediate online celebration from his famous father.
The 22-year-old finished the night completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and 23 rushing yards over nearly three quarters of action.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski had planned for the rookie to get around 50 snaps. Sanders logged 45 before making way for recently signed backup Tyler Huntley late in the third quarter.
“I’m comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Sanders said postgame. “I got into my rhythm eventually, but I need to do that quicker. Did I play up to par? No. But we won, and that’s what matters.”
The Browns rested most of their starters, meaning Sanders took the field alongside a mix of second- and third-string players he has worked with throughout camp. The Panthers, meanwhile, played most of their starters for the opening two series.
“Pleased with Shedeur, pleased with the offense,” Stefanski said. “Not perfect, plenty to work on, but the guys made plays and Shedeur operated well.”
Projected as a potential first-round pick before sliding to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders was the 144th overall selection and Cleveland’s second quarterback taken after Dillon Gabriel in the third round.
Injuries to Gabriel and Kenny Pickett, along with starter Joe Flacco being held out, opened the door for Sanders to start Friday.
Stefanski declined to say whether the performance would shake up the quarterback depth chart, stressing the focus remains on player development and evaluation.
The Browns will hold joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles next week, where Stefanski hopes Pickett and Gabriel will return to full participation.
https://www.101greatgoals.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Shedeur.jpg
2025-08-09 08:36:25
