Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made a powerful first impression in his NFL debut, main his crew to a 30-10 preseason-opening win over the Carolina Panthers on Friday evening.
Sanders, the son of Corridor of Famer Deion Sanders, bought the beginning and delivered two first-half landing passes, displaying poise and accuracy regardless of restricted preseason reps. His first rating got here early within the second quarter, threading a 7-yard strike to Kaden Davis within the again nook of the tip zone. The play capped a short-field drive following a muffed punt restoration deep in Carolina territory, drawing a direct on-line celebration from his well-known father.
The 22-year-old completed the evening finishing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and 23 speeding yards over almost three quarters of motion.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski had deliberate for the rookie to get round 50 snaps. Sanders logged 45 earlier than making method for not too long ago signed backup Tyler Huntley late within the third quarter.
“I’m snug with being uncomfortable,” Sanders stated postgame. “I bought into my rhythm finally, however I want to try this faster. Did I play as much as par? No. However we gained, and that’s what issues.”
The Browns rested most of their starters, which means Sanders took the sector alongside a mixture of second- and third-string gamers he has labored with all through camp. The Panthers, in the meantime, performed most of their starters for the opening two sequence.
“Happy with Shedeur, happy with the offense,” Stefanski stated. “Not excellent, lots to work on, however the guys made performs and Shedeur operated properly.”
Projected as a possible first-round choose earlier than sliding to the fifth spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders was the 144th general choice and Cleveland’s second quarterback taken after Dillon Gabriel within the third spherical.
Accidents to Gabriel and Kenny Pickett, together with starter Joe Flacco being held out, opened the door for Sanders to start out Friday.
Stefanski declined to say whether or not the efficiency would shake up the quarterback depth chart, stressing the main target stays on participant improvement and analysis.
The Browns will maintain joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles subsequent week, the place Stefanski hopes Pickett and Gabriel will return to full participation.
