tLAS VEGAS — Fresh off his NFL regular season debut, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will make his first career start Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Wednesday. Sanders will take all first-team reps in preparation for a matchup that may define the early trajectory of his pro career.
The timing is abrupt but unavoidable. Sanders steps in for fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who remains in the league’s concussion protocol after suffering a head injury during Cleveland’s Week 11 loss to Baltimore. Sanders isn’t shying away from the moment.
“I feel like I’m the guy. I know I’m the guy,” he said. “Everything got sped up, and that’s great. I like pressure in life.”
Pressure is coming in more ways than one.
A Rocky Debut Against a Struggling Defense
Sanders’ first NFL action came under chaotic circumstances. Thrust into a divisional game against a Ravens defense ranked 24th in passing yards allowed, the rookie labored through a difficult second half:
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4-of-12 passing
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47 yards
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1 interception
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Zero scoring drives
He flashed late, stringing together completions of 25 yards to Harold Fannin Jr. and 10 yards to Jerry Jeudy to bring Cleveland into striking distance. But three straight incompletions ended the comeback effort, sealing another Browns collapse. Sanders called the experience “challenging,” but said he felt his comfort improve with every snap.
“As the game went on, I settled in,” he said. “I’m more of a feel person. I gotta be out there, gotta move around… to feel my best.”
Increased Reps, Increased Responsibility
Stefanski’s decision to hand Sanders the keys for Week 12 signals belief in his talent — but also urgency. At 2-8, Cleveland needs answers. And Sanders knows preparation is everything.
“That’s how I learn. That’s how I do everything,” Sanders said of getting full practice reps. “I’m doing everything in my power, and the team’s doing everything to help me get prepared.”
Self-evaluation was honest, too:
“I think I handled the blitz pretty good… but my footwork could’ve been tighter. It’s all about feel.”
Feel matters. Reps matter. But this Sunday, something else will matter even more.
The Raiders Are a Different Beast
If Sanders thought Baltimore presented challenges, Las Vegas is an entirely different level of danger.
The Raiders inconsistent offensively but violent defensively are built to torture rookie quarterbacks. Their pressure packages, led by Maxx Crosby, overwhelm inexperienced passers. Their disguised coverages create hesitation, their energy feeds off mistakes.
This is the same defense that has:
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Turned games ugly with relentless pressure
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Forced veterans into panicked decisions
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Played its best football in front of home crowds at Allegiant Stadium
For a rookie who struggled with accuracy, timing, and reading blitzes just one week ago, this matchup has the potential to become a defining moment good or bad.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
