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Sanders shines in Browns preseason debut
Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders delivers two TDs in his first NFL action, signaling potential for Cleveland.
A fifth round rookie quarterback makes a strong first impression for Cleveland in a preseason matchup.
Sanders shines in Browns preseason debut with two touchdowns
Cleveland Browns started fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders in the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers due to injuries around the roster. Sanders finished 14 of 23 for 138 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, helping the Browns build a lead before Tyler Huntley played the second half. Early on, his first drive included a near-miss and some rookie nerves, but he settled in and connected on a bootleg TD and another scoring throw to Kaden Davis before halftime.
In the second half he remained confident, showing mobility and accuracy on intermediate routes. His best play came when he rolled out and delivered a precise pass into the end zone for a second score. Coach and teammates noted his quick decision making and ability to move under pressure. Sanders did not have extensive practice reps with the starting offense, and the Browns kept him on a short leash as they evaluate depth at quarterback. Flacco praised Sanders for getting the ball out quickly and moving well, while Sanders himself called the night a learning opportunity with more work ahead.
Key Takeaways
"Thankful for the opportunity, I’m excited for it, I don’t feel like I took full advantage of the opportunity."
Sanders after the game
"I don’t feel like I was sharp at all, honestly. I think I was OK today. Next opportunity I get, I have to build on this one."
Sanders reflecting on his performance
"The thing I’m kind of happy he’s doing is he’s getting the ball out of his hands early in the down."
Joe Flacco on Sanders' decision making
The debut gives Sanders a clear moment to build from, but a single strong preseason outing rarely settles a competition that often lingers into week one. Cleveland faces a long path from a strong two-day highlight reel to sustained NFL production, especially for a quarterback who entered the league later than most top prospects. His success will hinge on continued improvement in timing, decision making, and how the team designs the offense around his strengths. The broader context is the quarterback depth chart in Cleveland, where experience competes with potential, and every drill, practice rep, and game snap will be weighed against the clock for the regular season.
Highlights
- The ceiling might be higher than the draft day chatter
- Tiny steps can carry a big city through the summer heat
- This is how a quiet rookie begins to speak loudly
- A debut that turns possibility into conversation
Public reaction and high expectations around a fifth round rookie
The Browns’ choice to start a fifth-round quarterback in a high-profile preseason game invites sharp public scrutiny. A strong showing can raise expectations quickly, while any stumble could invite pressure on the player and the team. As Sanders competes for rhythm and consistency, fans and media will closely track every practice, drive, and evaluative remark.
The preseason spark is promising, but the real test lies ahead in practice and September schedules.
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