CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a highly anticipated professional debut, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders demonstrated poise and skill despite a rocky start. Early in the game, Sanders' first pass soared high, and the Browns' initial three series were filled with more misses than successful plays. However, a critical turnover by the Carolina Panthers set the stage for Sanders to showcase his capabilities. On the very first play of the second quarter, he delivered a precise 7-yard touchdown pass to Kaden Davis.
As the first half progressed, Sanders continued to impress. He capped off an efficient drive with an even more impressive touchdown pass, this time connecting with Davis from 12 yards out. Over the course of the game, Sanders piloted the Browns for a total of 10 series, with three resulting in touchdowns. This performance is particularly notable given that he was the fourth quarterback in the training camp order, and yet he displayed sharp play throughout his 45 snaps.
Neither Sanders nor Browns coach Kevin Stefanski commented on how Sanders' performance might influence Cleveland's ongoing quarterback hierarchy, but both appeared visibly satisfied. “I felt like me out there,” Sanders remarked, underscoring his readiness for the moment. While he did make some questionable decisions early on, his accuracy on both touchdown passes—and a remarkable 30-yard throw to Luke Floriea—highlighted his potential as a key player for the Browns.
In total, Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, which could be viewed as an unexpected yet promising detour from the Browns' evolving quarterback strategies. Currently, veteran Joe Flacco remains the frontrunner for the starting position in the upcoming season opener. With most starters sidelined during the preseason opener and both Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel nursing hamstring injuries, Stefanski opted to start Sanders as the primary quarterback for this game.
The injury situation prompted the Browns to sign Tyler Huntley just hours before they traveled to Charlotte for joint practice and Friday’s game. Notably, Sanders is the only one of the four quarterbacks who has been with the team since spring training and has not yet played with the first-team offense during camp. On Friday night, he was given the opportunity to work extensively with various combinations of players, many of whom are considered second- and third-stringers on the Browns' early depth chart.
“I would say I’m comfortable with being uncomfortable, so that’s what it is,” Sanders stated. “I found pockets to establish my rhythm, and I need to get into that quicker, regardless of the circumstances.” He acknowledged the dual perspectives on his situation: being grateful for the opportunity while also feeling the pressure to perform. “I was prepared for it as normal, even though I didn’t know until just a few days ago that I would be playing,” he said.
Despite his two touchdown passes, Sanders felt he didn’t play “up to par.” However, he expressed confidence in the offensive operation and recognized a special play opportunity when he escaped pressure and spotted Floriea down the sideline late in the second quarter. “I saw Shedeur scramble, so I decided to run to the open spot,” Floriea explained. “He threw me a real nice ball, layered it right over the top. I just had to make a play.”
Sanders did experience two missed opportunities, one in each half, where he had an open receiver but seemed to rush his throws. The Browns’ second series ended in disappointment when Sanders retreated from the rush on fourth-and-1, ultimately throwing the ball away. Coach Stefanski expressed that he was “pleased with Shedeur” and the overall offensive performance but emphasized that there are still many areas that need improvement.
As the Browns continue to evaluate their quarterback options, nobody is ready to make any commitments just yet. Sanders reiterated his gratitude for the opportunity but maintained that he wasn't entirely satisfied with his performance. “To get where I want to go, I don’t think that was good enough (tonight),” he remarked. However, his impressive showing was certainly enough to keep the dialogue open about his role and potential within the team as the preseason progresses.
With just two weeks left in the preseason, Sanders’ performance has left a positive impression, suggesting he may be trending in the right direction for the Cleveland Browns.
