Shedeur Sanders took a stand to fans following his debut against Ravens for Browns QB Dillon Gabriel
A professional route taken by the Browns’ rookie quarterback.
The Cleveland Browns took two rookie quarterbacks back in April, and neither was a high draft pick, so it was expected that both would see the field in 2025. Dillon Gabriel has now started six straight games, but the Browns got their first look at Shedeur Sanders in the 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11.
A concussion check at halftime prevented Gabriel from returning, and Sanders was forced into action. The rookie fifth-round pick hadn’t taken reps with the Browns’ starters until he stepped onto the field Sunday. With that in mind, things didn’t go well in Sanders’ debut. The rookie from Colorado went 4-of-16 passing for 43 yards with an interception and a fumble that was recovered by the offense.
Shedeur Sanders took a stand for Dillon Gabriel after the game
A segment of the fanbase has been vocal in wanting to see Sanders over the last few weeks. Cleveland’s offense remains the worst in the NFL, and the hope was that he could provide a spark that Gabriel has not. Following the loss to the Ravens, Sanders said he appreciates the support but wants fans to be fair to Gabriel as well.
“When Dillon out there playing and all that, I appreciate the fans. I appreciate everybody, but I’m a good person overall, so I don’t really like him not feeling comfortable, confident when he get out there, so it puts everything in a tough spot, and it’s not helping the team,” Sanders explained. “So, that could be taken as, ‘okay, I’m being a distraction,’ even though I ain’t doing that, even though I’m not doing nothing. But I’m thankful for the supporters, thankful for the fans, thankful for everybody out there that believes.”
Cleveland took two swings, hoping one of the quarterbacks could be the answer at a position they haven’t been able to solidify. The Browns have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the best-case scenario is that one of the current quarterbacks emerges as the solution. Gabriel hasn’t shown that through his six starts, and Sanders’ chance could be coming. If Gabriel misses Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sanders would get his first career start.
There were knocks on Sanders coming out of college regarding how he handles himself with the media and the personality he presents. He didn’t have to be mindful of Gabriel in the postgame presser, and that awareness shows the growth he’s had while in Columbus. Fans were excited to see Sanders run onto the field Sunday, and they’d be over the moon if he gets the chance to lead the Browns to a win in Week 12.
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The Cleveland Browns maintained their identity despite falling to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. Cleveland’s defense fought and did everything it could to win, but in the end, the Ravens walked out of Cleveland with a 23-16 win over the Browns. Cleveland’s defense showed up in a big way, as it has for much […]
