Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders made a successful debut as a starter in the NFL, guiding his team to a 24‑10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12. He completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, with one touchdown and one interception, ending the Browns’ three‑game losing streak. The win marked a significant milestone for Sanders, who became the first rookie quarterback in Browns history to win his first career start since the organization’s reactivation in 1999 and the first rookie to win his first start for the Browns since Eric Zeier in 1995.
Despite Sanders’ impressive performance, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski handed the game ball to defensive end Myles Garrett, prompting mixed reactions on social media. Some fans argued that the ball should have gone to Sanders, given his first win as a starter, while others felt Garrett deserved recognition for his contributions to the victory. The debate has sparked calls for the team to award two game balls to honor both players, highlighting the challenge coaches face in balancing individual accolades with team morale.
Sanders, a 144th‑overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, made his NFL debut against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. Although he struggled in that first appearance, he showed significant improvement in his first start. The Browns will travel to face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13, a crucial test as they sit at 3‑8 on the season. The 49ers, boasting a 7‑4 record, will present a tough opponent, and Cleveland will need a strong performance to secure a win. The game is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET from Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.
Comments are closed for this story.