Shedeur Sanders Shines in Preseason Debut: Throws Two Touchdowns for the Browns

For the first time in a long while, a fifth-round rookie quarterback grabbed everyone’s attention during an NFL preseason game. Yes, even LeBron James was curious about him.

Shedeur Sanders, a standout from Colorado, took center stage as he made his debut with the Cleveland Browns against the Carolina Panthers. His unexpected start came due to injuries to other players, creating a buzz around his performance.

And the buzz is well-deserved. In the first half, Sanders completed 11 of 18 passes for 103 yards, scoring two touchdowns without any interceptions, and earning a solid passer rating of 113.9. He continued strong into the third quarter, maintaining that momentum before Tyler Huntley took over. In total, Sanders finished with 14 completions from 23 attempts for 138 yards and those two touchdowns.

Reflecting on his debut, Sanders said, “I’m thankful for the opportunity. I don’t feel like I took full advantage of it, but it’s something to work on.” Despite showing promise, he thought there was room for improvement.

His touchdowns showcased his skill. The first came after a well-executed play-action bootleg, where he found receiver Kaden Davis. The second was an impressive, accurate throw into the end zone. It was obvious that he belonged on the field.

Interestingly, Sanders stepped up unexpectedly. He wasn’t initially prepared to start, as he was mainly practicing as the fourth quarterback. His first few plays weren’t perfect, with a bumpy start leading to a punt. Yet, he quickly settled in, showcasing his ability to scramble for first downs and make smart decisions under pressure.

While his game didn’t include long passes, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco praised Sanders’ quick thinking on the field. According to Flacco, “He’s getting the ball out early and showing he can move around.”

As for stats, in 2023, a study by the NFL showed that rookie quarterbacks often face a steep learning curve in their debut seasons. Yet, trends suggest that those who adapt quickly can set the tone for their teams moving forward.

What makes Sanders’ performance even more notable is the historical context. Fifth-round quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Dak Prescott have surprisingly led their teams to success. This adds to the excitement surrounding Sanders’ journey, making fans wonder if he could replicate that success.

With two preseason games left and uncertainty about who will play, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on Sanders. His debut has given fans and analysts a glimpse of his potential and set the stage for what could be a promising future in the NFL.



Source link

Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns, NFL preseason, the Browns, NFL, Kaden Davis, LeBron James, Carolina Panthers, Tyler Huntley, Joe Flacco, Jamari Thrash, Dillon Gabriel, Gage Larvadain, Diontae Johnson, Kenny Pickett, Dylan Sampson