Shedeur Sanders delivered a milestone performance on Sunday, becoming the first Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback since 1995 to win his debut start. The Browns defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 24–10 at Allegiant Stadium, marking a historic moment for the fifth-round pick who had spent the season backing up fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
The matchup drew significant attention as fans and analysts were eager to see how Sanders would respond to the pressure of his first NFL start. Coming into the game, Cleveland needed stability at quarterback, and Sanders gave the franchise precisely that.
Strong Debut Shows Promise
Sanders completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. His first career touchdown came on a spectacular 66-yard screen to running back Dylan Sampson, who burst down the sideline to extend Cleveland’s lead to 24–3 in the fourth quarter.
According to official league stats from the NFL (hyperlink: NFL website), Sanders became the first Browns rookie QB in three decades to win his opening start.
The Browns leaned heavily on their rookie backfield. Quinshon Judkins scored two early rushing touchdowns, including one drive fueled by a 52-yard strike from Sanders to wide receiver Isaiah Bond. Bond nearly scored on the play but was brought down at the 1-yard line.
Judkins later exited with an injury in the third quarter, but Sampson stepped in seamlessly, showcasing the depth of Cleveland’s young offensive core.
Browns Defense Dominates Raiders
Cleveland’s defense put together its most dominant performance of the season. The Browns recorded 10 sacks, overwhelming Raiders quarterback Geno Smith and exposing the vulnerabilities of Las Vegas’s struggling offensive line.
Myles Garrett, the NFL’s current sack leader, tallied three sacks, while Maliek Collins added 2.5. Devin Bush, Cameron Thomas, and Isaiah McGuire each contributed a sack of their own.
The Cleveland Browns organization (hyperlink: Browns official website) highlighted the defensive effort as a cornerstone of their victory.
Despite facing pressure from the Raiders, Sanders was sacked only once, showing poise under fire in his first test as an NFL starter.
A Historic Start for a Rookie QB
With this win, Sanders not only broke a decades-old franchise streak but also made a strong case to retain the starting job for the remainder of the season. Cleveland’s coaches have praised his maturity, athleticism, and ability to adapt quickly—qualities the team hopes will continue to develop as the season progresses.
His debut marks a rare bright spot in a Browns season filled with roster changes, injuries, and inconsistent quarterback play. But on Sunday, Sanders gave Cleveland something it desperately needed: hope and momentum.
