When Shedeur Sanders dropped back to pass under the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025, no one expected him to end a nearly seven-year curse. But there it was — a 24-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, his first NFL start, and the first victory for a Browns quarterback making his debut since 2018. The 22-year-old rookie, a fifth-round pick from the University of Colorado Boulder, didn’t dazzle with stats. He completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, one interception. But in a game defined by pressure, grit, and defense, Sanders delivered when it mattered most.
The Defense Carried the Load — And That Was the Point
Let’s be honest: if not for Myles Garrett, this game might’ve ended in disaster. The 28-year-old defensive end didn’t just have a good day — he had a statement day. Three of the Browns’ 10 sacks came from Garrett, each one a hammer blow to Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell. The defense held the Raiders to just 223 total yards, forced three three-and-outs in the second half, and turned the game into a grind. That’s what happens when you give a rookie QB a safety net made of steel.
Coach Kevin Stefanski, 42, made the call to start Sanders over injured rookie Dillon Gabriel, who was sidelined with a concussion after a brutal hit in Week 11. It wasn’t a vote of confidence — it was a necessity. The Browns had lost three straight. Their offense was stagnant. And the quarterback carousel had spun so fast, fans stopped counting.
A 17-Year Curse Broken — And a New Voice Emerges
Before Sanders took the field, the Browns hadn’t won a game started by a rookie QB since 2018. Seventeen games. Four different quarterbacks. All failures. This wasn’t just about beating the Raiders. It was about ending a franchise ghost story. And Sanders didn’t just play — he spoke. In his post-game interview, with his father, Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders, watching from the stands, the rookie didn’t shy away from the noise.
"Failure ain’t gonna happen," he said, calm as a Sunday morning. "I felt very relaxed. Very relaxed. And half of that comes from preparing, studying and knowing I got God on my side... So throughout all that, I had no worries. I didn’t feel nervous or anything before the game."
That’s not the typical rookie response. Most are grateful. Some are nervous. Sanders? He sounded like a man who’d already won.
From Heisman Hopeful to Fifth-Round Pick
This time last year, Sanders was a Heisman Trophy contender, leading his father’s Colorado Buffaloes to a 9-3 record. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns. Scouts called him a first-round talent. Then came the combine — a quiet showing, a few shaky drills, and suddenly, he slipped to pick No. 144. The Browns took a chance. Most thought it was a flier. Now? The flier might’ve landed.
He spent the first 10 weeks of the season watching from the bench behind Joe Flacco, the recovering Deshaun Watson, and then Gabriel. His only prior NFL action came in relief against the Ravens — 4-of-16, 47 yards, one pick. Critics called him unready. The Browns’ offensive line, which allowed 34 sacks this season, made things worse. But against the Raiders, the defense gave him time. And when he did throw, he made it count.
The 66-yard touchdown to Dylan Sampson wasn’t just a play. It was a turning point. With 8:18 left, the Browns up 24-3, the game was sealed. Sampson turned a simple slant into a highlight reel. Sanders’ throw? Perfect arc, perfect timing. No fan in the stadium stood up — they all just stared. Like they were seeing something they hadn’t seen in years.
What Comes Next? The Real Test Begins
Here’s the twist: Gabriel is expected to return when cleared from concussion protocol. That means Sanders’ start might’ve been a one-off. But here’s what analysts are saying now — and it’s different from before.
"Shedeur did some really good things in this game," said NFL analyst ‘ts’ in a YouTube breakdown. "He wasn’t flashy on the stat sheet, but his throws in key moments? Cooked. The door is opening. Maybe he deserves another chance."
That’s the quiet revolution happening in Cleveland. The team isn’t just looking for a starter. They’re looking for a leader. And for the first time since 2018, someone might actually fit that description.
The Browns’ record is still 3-8. They’re out of playoff contention. But something shifted. The locker room feels different. The fans are chanting his name. And for a franchise that’s spent seven years chasing ghosts, that’s more than a win. It’s a signal.
Behind the Scenes: The Sanders Legacy
Deion Sanders didn’t just watch his son’s debut — he lived it. The Hall of Famer, now head coach at Colorado, has built a legacy of turning overlooked players into stars. He’s done it at Jackson State. At Colorado. Now, in Las Vegas, he’s watching it happen in the NFL. The connection between father and son wasn’t just emotional — it was strategic. Sanders’ poise under pressure? That’s Coach Prime’s teaching. His confidence? That’s the family DNA.
"He’s not just a quarterback," one Browns assistant told reporters after the game. "He’s a product of something bigger. And that’s why he wasn’t scared."
Meanwhile, the Browns’ offensive line — the Achilles’ heel of this season — still needs help. But for now, they’ve got something rarer: hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Shedeur Sanders fall to the fifth round despite being a Heisman candidate?
Despite throwing for 3,000+ yards and 28 TDs at Colorado, Sanders’ combine performance was underwhelming — slower 40-time, inconsistent mechanics, and questions about decision-making under pressure led teams to downgrade him. He was projected as a top-10 pick but slid to No. 144, where the Browns took a low-risk gamble.
How does this win affect the Browns’ quarterback future?
With Deshaun Watson still recovering and Dillon Gabriel returning from concussion protocol, the Browns now have three viable options. Sanders’ performance has forced the front office to seriously consider him as a long-term solution, especially given his poise and leadership. A decision on the 2026 starter could come as early as January.
What role did Myles Garrett play in Sanders’ success?
Garrett’s 10-sack performance — three of them his own — neutralized the Raiders’ pass rush and gave Sanders nearly double the time he had in previous starts. Without that pressure relief, Sanders’ inexperience likely would’ve led to turnovers. The defense didn’t just win the game — it protected the future.
Is this win a fluke, or does it signal real progress?
It’s not a fluke. Sanders’ calm under pressure, his ability to connect on deep throws when needed, and his post-game demeanor suggest he’s mentally prepared. The offensive line remains a problem, but his performance against a top-10 defense proves he can elevate his play. This isn’t a lucky break — it’s a glimpse of what could be.
How does this compare to past Browns rookie QB debuts?
Previous rookie QB starts for Cleveland since 2018 — including Baker Mayfield, Jacoby Brissett, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson — all ended in losses. Sanders is the first to win. He also outperformed his predecessors in completion percentage and yards per attempt, and he didn’t turn the ball over in the red zone — a historic first for a Browns rookie starter.
What’s next for Shedeur Sanders?
The Browns face the Bengals in Week 14, then the Steelers in Week 15. Sanders is expected to start both games, regardless of Gabriel’s status. If he plays with similar poise, the Browns may lock him in as the 2026 starter before the draft. His father has already hinted that he’s ready for the NFL grind — and now, so is the organization.
