In a highly-anticipated NFL debut, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders showcased an impressive performance against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night, leading his team to a commanding 30-10 victory in their preseason opener. The 23-year-old, who started the game, remained on the field until the third quarter, demonstrating a mix of arm talent, mobility, and composure that left a lasting impression on fans and critics alike.
Sanders finished the night with 14 completions on 23 attempts for 138 yards and two touchdowns. He also displayed his athleticism by running four times for 19 yards. Despite the praiseworthy stat line, Sanders, ever the perfectionist, was not entirely satisfied with his performance. “I don’t feel like I was sharp at all, honestly,” he said after being replaced by Tyler Huntley. “I think I was OK today, but you know, the next opportunity I get I just, you know, got to build on this one.”
He acknowledged that there were both “some good, some bad,” but expressed confidence in his ability to learn from his mistakes, stating, “moving forward I won’t make the same mistakes twice.”
The significant moment in Sanders’ young career came just ahead of his father, Deion Sanders’, 58th birthday. Deion, the head coach at the University of Colorado, shared his excitement for his son’s debut, telling USA Today that he felt like a “kid in the candy shop.” He also mentioned speaking with Shedeur at least three times on Friday, adding, “It’s gonna be strange for both of us… It’s like your baby’s out there…You cut their biblical cord, and now they doing their thing. I just can’t wait to see him.”
Shedeur Sanders played for his father for two seasons at Colorado before being drafted by the Browns. His performance against the Panthers now puts him in a position to potentially move up the depth chart, a decision that Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski will now have to consider.
The Browns’ next preseason game is on August 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles. It remains to be seen if Sanders will get another opportunity to showcase his talent and further cement his place on the team.
FAQs
When did Shedeur Sanders make his NFL debut? Shedeur Sanders made his NFL debut on Friday, August 9, as the Cleveland Browns faced the Carolina Panthers in their preseason opener.
How did Shedeur Sanders perform in his NFL debut? Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, threw two touchdowns, and rushed for 19 yards in his debut.
When do the Cleveland Browns play their next game? The Cleveland Browns will play their next preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 16.