Shedeur Sanders Named Starting QB for Browns After Debut Win
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Shedeur Sanders has officially been named the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in Week 13 following a historic debut win in Week 12. After leading the Browns to a 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Sanders has earned the confidence of head coach Kevin Stefanski, who announced the decision on Monday.
This win marked a significant milestone as it was the first time in a generation that a rookie quarterback has won a game for the franchise. Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, including one touchdown and one interception during his debut.
Despite the Raiders not being among the league's elite defenses, Sanders' performance was praised, highlighted by a notable 52-yard completion to Isaiah Bond. The Browns snapped a three-game losing streak with this victory, and now turn their focus to the San Francisco 49ers, who pose a much greater challenge.
The 49ers, currently holding a 7-4 record, are in pursuit of a playoff spot and will be looking to rebound after a tough stretch. Interestingly, former starter Dillon Gabriel, who had been placed in concussion protocol, has cleared it but will serve as the backup for this upcoming game.
Coach Stefanski emphasized the importance of improvement for young quarterbacks, stating that the goal is to get one game better with continued work. Sanders’ rise has sparked conversations about his background as a highly touted prospect from Colorado, where he was drafted by the Browns in the fifth round.
The support for Sanders has been notable, with his jersey briefly becoming the top-selling rookie jersey earlier this year. Amid the excitement, President Donald Trump praised Sanders on his social media platform, expressing his belief in the young quarterback’s potential, saying, 'Shedeur Sanders was GREAT.
I TOLD YOU SO!' As Sanders prepares for his second start against a formidable 49ers defense, the Browns are hopeful that he can build on his debut performance and lead the team through the remainder of the season.
The upcoming match against San Francisco will be crucial for both Sanders and the Browns as they aim to improve their standing in the competitive AFC North.