Shedeur Sanders Celebrates First Win as Browns Starter Amid Criticism

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders secured his inaugural victory as a starter, and he didn’t hold back in addressing his critics.

Following a 24-10 triumph over the Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, Sanders, 23, acknowledged the skepticism surrounding his performance after stepping in for the usual starter, Dillon Gabriel. “Nobody cares if this was one week of prep,” he stated emphatically. “Who cares? A lot of people want to see me fail – it ain’t gonna happen. It ain’t gonna happen.”

Despite not posting eye-popping statistics—completing 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, with one touchdown and one interception—Sanders made history as the first Browns rookie quarterback to win his first start since 1995.

Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel, 24, remains in concussion protocol but returned to practice just two days prior to the game. His status for the upcoming match against the San Francisco 49ers on November 30 is uncertain, as head coach Kevin Stefanski refrained from naming a starting quarterback.

Stefanski, 43, noted Sanders’ ability to make plays under pressure, highlighting a key completion to Isaiah Bond despite challenges in protection. “You saw a lot of what Shedeur does well on the field today,” he said. “There’s a lot that he’s doing well, and there’s a lot that he’s working on, which is what I appreciate about young guys that want to get better.”

Before the game, Sanders expressed his desire to prove himself as the quarterback the Browns have been searching for. “I’m just thankful to be out here, have an opportunity, be able to go out there and play,” he shared. “You don’t know how surreal that feeling is, knowing that you have the responsibility of the Browns organization on your shoulders.”