Shedeur Sanders struggles on Browns debut after Dillon Gabriel concussion
The long-awaited NFL debut of Shedeur Sanders’ took place this weekend, proving to be a harsh welcome to the professional game, as the Cleveland Browns rookie shouldered the blame for a 23 – 16 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens.
Thrust into action after starter Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion on a third-quarter scramble, Sanders went 4 of 16 for 47 yards, with no touchdowns, one interception, two sacks, and a 13.5 passer rating. The 23-year-old, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, also fumbled once (recovered by teammate Wyatt Teller) and drew a flag for intentional grounding, scrambling for minimal gain amid the chaos.
What began as a narrow Browns lead unravelled under Lamar Jackson’s command and Baltimore’s stout defence, with the visitors sealing victory after Mark Andrews’ 35-yard touchdown run put them ahead with 2:31 left. Sanders took over at his own 35, marching to the Ravens’ 25 on a 25-yard strike to Harold Fannin Jr. and a 10-yarder to Jerry Jeudy.
But the drive stalled: an overthrow to Isaiah Bond in the end zone, a third-and-5 pass to Gage Larvadain broken up by Chidobe Awuzie, and a fourth-and-5 dart to David Njoku swatted away by Roquan Smith (amid a disputed non-call) left Cleveland short.
In a raw postgame address to the team, Sanders owned the shortfall. “I don’t think I played good. I don’t think I played good at all,” he said, voice steady. “I ain’t do up to my expectation, enough to get us a win. So I just got to take that one to the chin… Losing isn’t something I’m comfortable with at all – this really happened on my watch.” Yet defiance flickered through: “I know I’m made for it. I still have the same confidence. I’m still me. That will never go anywhere.”
Defensive star Myles Garrett, fresh off two sacks on Jackson, rallied round the newcomer. “It’s a team game, so we’re all in this together,” Garrett urged. “Don’t be discouraged from one drive or two drives… I was just trying to keep his confidence high.” GM Andrew Berry offered a reassuring pat on the back, while wideout LaJohntay Wester consoled Sanders on the bench. Coach Kevin Stefanski, praising the rookie’s poise, vowed tweaks: “You want to make sure that your players… have plays that they’re comfortable with.”
Gabriel, who went 8 of 11 for 72 yards before exiting, enters concussion protocol but could return for next week’s clash with the Raiders. With limited alternatives, Sanders – a fifth-round draft pick despite being dominant with Colorado in college – eyes his first start, armed with extra reps and a scheme suited to his dropback style.
For the 2-8 Browns struggling once again in this league, Sanders’ rocky initiation underscores the league’s bite. As he put it, playing with starters versus practice squads is “different… extremely hard.” The real forging lies ahead.
