Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is set to make his second NFL start on Sunday when the Cleveland Browns face the San Francisco 49ers. Sanders is coming off a strong debut that helped the Browns secure a 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Coach Stefanski Confirms Start
Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Sanders will remain the starting quarterback. The rookie, who was a fifth-round draft pick, completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, including a touchdown and an interception, in his first start. Dillon Gabriel is expected to be Sanders’ backup after clearing concussion protocol.
Stefanski said, “The number one job of a quarterback is to win. So, excited to get that first win under his belt. The next focus is improvement, and that’s what young players do.”
Record-Breaking Rookie Start
Sanders is the first Browns rookie quarterback to win his first start since Eric Zeier in 1995. Since 1999, he is the 11th rookie to start for Cleveland and the 13th different starter under Stefanski’s coaching since 2020.
Highlights from First Start
- 66-yard touchdown pass to fellow rookie Dylan Sampson
- 52-yard completion to Isaiah Bond
- Only one sack on 21 dropbacks, with pressures on eight plays
Stefanski praised Sanders’ toughness and acknowledged areas for improvement, noting that the rookie only took a coverage sack early in the game.
Sanders’ Experience and Background
Sanders felt relaxed during his first start, marking the first week he practiced with the first team. He first saw NFL action on Nov. 16 during the second half of Cleveland’s 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens after Gabriel suffered a concussion.
Joe Flacco started the first four games of the season before being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, with Gabriel starting the following six games before Sanders took over.
Conclusion
Shedeur Sanders will look to build on his strong debut as he leads the Cleveland Browns against the San Francisco 49ers. Fans can expect exciting plays, improvement from the rookie quarterback, and continued support from coach Stefanski as Sanders gains more NFL experience.
