Cleveland Browns’ rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders just made his first NFL start and led his team to a win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Throughout the Week 12 game, he mostly played composed and mistake-free football. Post-game, he addressed his critics head-on, saying he proved he could execute despite not receiving first-team reps in the summer. 

“Everybody starts in different places, just because I didn’t get summer reps, just because I wasn’t in the best situation,” said Shedeur Sanders. “For me to be prepared and go out there and execute, like from a summer standpoint, that’s how life is. Everybody’s not in the best situation. But it’s no excuse. You gotta go out there and perform. There’s no choice, there’s no question. Nobody cares if this was one week of prep. So, a lot of people want to see me fail, and it ain’t gonna happen.” 

Was Shedeur Sanders taking a subtle jab at fellow quarterback Dillon Gabriel and the critics? According to many, it certainly sounded like it. Gabriel had more early reps, more trust from head coach Kevin Stefanski, and a clearer path to the QB1 spot. Naturally, the staff gave limited snaps to the player they actually intended to play. That was until Gabriel landed in concussion protocol in Week 11.

Stefanski never saw Shedeur Sanders as a starting QB option. But circumstances forced Stefanski to make another QB decision in Cleveland. So, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders got on the field last week against the Baltimore Ravens after Gabriel was sidelined with an injury. In that game, Shedeur completed just 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards and a pick. The Browns lost 23–16, and many wrote him off immediately.

However, Week 12 told a different story as Shedeur Sanders created history by becoming the first Browns QB to win a game in his first NFL start since 1995, after Eric Zeier. He completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, a touchdown, and an interception to help the Browns secure a win against the Raiders. The rookie QB even launched an impressive 52-yard throw on the run to his rookie receiver, Isaiah Bond.

However, what stood out most in Shedeur Sanders’ performance from Week 12 was his pocket presence. He looked calm, rolled out with confidence, and bought time the way veteran quarterbacks do. And when you compare his performance to Gabriel’s average of 107.5 passing yards across his five full starts, Sanders’ message after the game begins to feel more justified. 

Shedeur Sanders sends a clear message to the Browns’ rookie class

In his first NFL start, Shedeur Sanders didn’t just put up numbers; he also brought energy back to the Browns offense. With Shedeur under center, the rookie receivers fought for tough yards and looked more confident. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. made four catches, three in key moments. When asked about the rookies, Sanders emphasized their role in bringing new energy.

“We have a term, it’s called young, but we definitely want to come in and create change,” said Shedeur Sanders. “And we have those conversations and we talk about what we gotta do and be more proactive, not reactive. We gotta bring the energy. Sometimes, I’m not saying the vets don’t, but it’s just our offensive side of the ball; we struggle. So, we need somebody to be that match, be that light.”

Is Shedeur Sanders challenging the rookies? Absolutely. And honestly, it’s what the Browns need right now. His leadership helped the Browns secure their sixth win since December 2023. Now the big question in Cleveland is obvious: Who starts next week against the San Francisco 49ers? 

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While Stefanski still held back on that answer, Shedeur Sanders’ strong showing just puts real pressure on the coaching staff. If Gabriel returns healthy, does he automatically get the job back? Or has Shedeur Sanders earned another shot? At this point, it feels like Sanders deserves more than just a temporary nod.