Kevin Stefanski dodged the big question around Shedeur Sanders after he helped the Browns to a win over the Raiders
A win for the rookie quarterback in his first NFL start on the road for the Browns.
The Cleveland Browns have matched their win total from the 2024 season with a road victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12. Cleveland’s defense delivered a dominant performance in Shedeur Sanders’ first start, leading the way to a 24-10 win. Myles Garrett recorded three sacks — bringing him to a career-high 18 on the season — and the Browns (3-8) sacked Raiders QB Geno Smith a total of 10 times on Sunday.
Dillon Gabriel had made the previous six starts for the Browns but was held out of the Week 12 matchup due to a concussion suffered against the Baltimore Ravens. Sanders debuted in that game without any previous first-team reps, and it showed on the field. With a full week of practice with the starters ahead of the Raiders game, the rookie fifth-round pick performed noticeably better.
Kevin Stefanski isn’t naming a starting quarterback after win over Raiders
“Can’t get into that [right now],” Stefanski said after the win. “Obviously, I’m proud of him, proud of this offense. There are a ton of things to learn from, but I’m just going to worry about today.”
Sanders showed the ability to connect on deep passes — an element that has been missing from Cleveland’s passing game — against Las Vegas. The Colorado product finished 11-of-20 for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in his first start. He hit rookie Isaiah Bond for a 52-yard bomb in the first half to set up a Quinshon Judkins touchdown. Later in the half, he connected with Jerry Jeudy on a 39-yard play that ended in a fumble by the veteran wideout.
The biggest play of the day came on a screen pass to Dylan Sampson that went 66 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. It marked the first passing touchdown of Sanders’ career and served as the dagger that secured the Browns’ road win. Cleveland’s offense finally produced big plays, something largely absent this season. Sanders’ willingness and ability to push the ball downfield is something the team hasn’t consistently had since Joe Flacco was starting.
Cleveland returns home next weekend to face the San Francisco 49ers. Sanders became the first Browns quarterback to win his debut since Eric Zeier accomplished the feat in 1995. Sanders wasn’t perfect on Sunday, but he looked night-and-day better than he did in his debut, and Stefanski now has a significant decision on his hands. Does he go back to Gabriel when healthy, or stick with Sanders after a solid starting debut?
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