Shedeur Sanders made his Cleveland Browns debut earlier than expected, starting the team’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers due to injuries to Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel, and with veteran Joe Flacco sitting out. The fifth-round rookie took full advantage, playing most of the first three quarters and completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and a 106.8 passer rating.
Insane grab. Now get him a cooler #. pic.twitter.com/8h6WhgoLpl
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) August 9, 2025
Related: The Best Cleveland Browns Jerseys for 2025
Sanders impressed with sharp accuracy, pocket awareness, and poise under pressure, connecting twice with Kaden Davis for scores. While he occasionally retreated too far to avoid sacks—a habit he’ll need to refine—his performance created real momentum in Cleveland’s wide-open quarterback competition.
Stage not too big for the kid. For a first start? Great job. #Dawgpound #LEGENDARY
— Tony Rizzo (@TheRealTRizzo) August 9, 2025
Winners: Sanders himself, his father Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, head coach Kevin Stefanski (who may have found an unexpected spark), and Joe Flacco, who remains the favorite to start despite Sanders’ rise.
Losers: Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett, both sidelined by injuries, saw their depth chart standing threatened. NFL teams that passed on Sanders in the draft may also be second-guessing that decision after this strong first look.
Sanders’ debut won’t decide the Browns’ quarterback race, but it proved the rookie belongs in the conversation for a roster spot—and maybe more.
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