The Cleveland Browns picked up a big road win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday as Shedeur Sanders made his first NFL start.
Dillon Gabriel was out of the game due to being in concussion protocol, which led to Sanders getting his first start. Sanders played well in his first NFL start, as he managed the game well, helping Cleveland get a big win.
Following the game, Browns insider Jason Lloyd of The Athletic believes Sanders should be the starting quarterback going forward.
“Sanders is the only hope as a franchise starter; otherwise, the Browns will have to navigate their options in trade, free agency and the draft again next spring,” Lloyd wrote. “Next year’s batch of draft-eligible quarterbacks seems to be more plentiful in the first round than this year’s rookie crop, but it again appears to be lacking in elite passers at the top. The win over the Raiders damages the Browns’ odds for a top 2-3 pick in this draft, too, for those who care about such things.
“For now, the Browns have to see more of Sanders, because it isn’t healthy to go through this again next year. Sanders will do enough to demonstrate he can be the starting quarterback next year or that he should be on another team. The presence his name casts over this organization and the relentless scrutiny over every word uttered and every minor decision made isn’t healthy for a franchise that doesn’t have a culture healthy enough to withstand it.”
Sanders went 11-of-20 for 209 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the Browns’ 24-10 win over the Raiders on Sunday.
Although Lloyd believes Sanders should remain the starter, the Browns have yet to make any announcement.
Browns Won’t Name Starting QB
Although Sanders helped the Browns get a big road win on Sunday, Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski wouldn’t confirm who will remain at quarterback.
Many fans called for Sanders to remain the starting quarterback, but Stefanski said he isn’t thinking about that yet.
“I’m not going to get into that,” Stefanski said postgame on Sunday. “Obviously, proud of him and proud of this offense and there are a ton of things to learn from, but I’m just going to worry about today.”
The Browns will host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Week 13 NFL action.
Sanders Sends Message to Critics
After leading the Browns to the win, Sanders sent a message to his critics and doubters.
Sanders believes a lot of people were hoping he was going to fail, and he was happy to prove them wrong.
“A lot of people wanted to see me fail, and it ain’t going to happen,” Sanders said. “It ain’t going to happen.”
Sanders, meanwhile, was excited that he was able to show the Browns organization and fans what he’s all about.
“Being a backup and everything, sometimes you have to compromise your personality and change the way you do things, to never step on anybody’s toes,” Sanders said. “The fact that I got an opportunity, and I was able to show the organization, show everybody who I really am, it’s truly exciting. I was off balance for a little bit, the past couple of months of my life, but it was different. But I’m thankful to be back where I am.”
With the win, the Browns improved to 3-8 on the season.
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