In Shedeur Sanders’ first game as a starter, the Browns showcased a powerful defense, overcoming the Raiders 24-10. They recorded an impressive 10 sacks against Las Vegas quarterback Geno Smith, just shy of their franchise record. Defensive end Myles Garrett stood out with 3 sacks and a forced fumble in the fourth quarter, bringing his total to 18 sacks this season. This puts him in striking distance of the NFL single-season record, needing just 5 more sacks in the remaining games.
Sanders had a solid outing, completing 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, including a 66-yard touchdown pass that helped secure the lead. Remarkably, he is the first Browns quarterback to win in his debut start since 1999, breaking a long-standing 0-17 streak for the team.
On the other side, the Raiders are struggling. Smith threw for 285 yards but faced relentless pressure from the Browns. Ashton Jeanty managed the team’s only touchdown but the Raiders fell to 3-8. Next week, the Browns will face the 49ers, while the Raiders head to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers.
From a broader perspective, Garrett’s performance plays into a larger trend in the NFL. Defensive players are increasingly dominating games. According to recent statistics, teams with top-tier defenses are more likely to advance in the playoffs. Experts suggest that a strong defense can be just as critical as a powerful offense in securing wins, especially as teams look to solidify their positions heading into the postseason.
For more details on NFL statistics and performance analysis, check out the NFL’s official stats.
