The Browns saw a feat accomplished on Sunday in Week 12 that had not happened for the franchise in three decades–before the team moved to Baltimore and was reborn, back in the days when the franchise was led by a little-known coach named Bill Belichick. With a 24-10 win over the sad-sack Raiders, the Browns had a victory for rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, marking the first time a Cleveland quarterback had won his first start since 1995.
The Browns are 3-8 and, again, the Raiders are a fast-unraveling football team. Still, it was 30 years of history erased in Las Vegas. And one guy who was there on the sideline to witness it was the very guy who was supposed to put the Browns’ long-standing history of quarterbacking failures to rest permanently: Deshaun Watson.
Browns Happy to Have Deshaun Watson Around
Watson, the Browns’ $230 million (all guaranteed) man is recovering from two torn Achilles tendon injuries, and is not likely to play this season. But he did travel with the team on Sunday to support Sanders and give him some advice. During the game, video of Watson and Sanders working together went viral on social media.
While Watson has played only 19 games in four seasons in Cleveland, it should not come as too big a surprise that he’s working to bring Sanders along. Watson was a three-time Pro Bowler in four seasons with the Texans, after all, and led the NFL with 4,823 yards in 2021.
“Deshaun has been with us every step of the way this season,” coach Kevin Stefanski said. “He has done a great job in the meeting room being that veteran that can impart some of the experiences he has had throughout his career. He has been invaluable. So it was good to have him out there.”
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on from the bench prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Shedeur Sanders ‘Relaxed’ in 1st Win
Maybe Watson was a good luck charm, as the Browns won for the first time since Week 7 against Miami. As for Sanders, he wound up going 11-for-20 passing with 209 yards on the day, adding a touchdown and an interception. It was hardly a stellar showing, and important to bear in mind that 66 of his yards came on a screen pass that Dylan Sampson broke into a touchdown.
Sanders shrugged off the notion that he might be nervous.
“I am not going to lie, I felt very relaxed. Very relaxed,” he said. “Half of that comes from studying and knowing I got God on my side. I didn’t feel nervous or anything about the game because he took all my worries away.”
Browns Not Committing to a QB in Week 13
Of course, there are still some things that Sanders probably should feel nervous about–like his status for Week 13. Former starter Dillon Gabriel could be recovered from his concussion by then, and after the win over the Raiders, Stefanski did not commit to coming back with Sanders next time out.
When Gabriel was starting, Stefanski routinely would commit to him as the starter whenever he was asked. Not so with Sanders.
“I am always gonna take my time,” Stefanski said, “and do what’s best for the football team.”
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