Sanders Leads Browns in Preseason Debut

Browns to Give Shedeur Sanders First Preseason Start Amid QB Competition

charlotte, NC – In a surprising move, the Cleveland Browns are poised to hand the reins to rookie quarterback shedeur Sanders for their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers this Friday, sources confirmed to ESPN. The fifth-round draft pick is set to make his NFL debut amidst a crowded quarterback room battling for playing time.

Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, was selected as the second quarterback by the Browns in this year’s draft, following Dillon gabriel who was chosen in the third round.Both rookies have been vying for the starting position alongside veteran signal-callers Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. The recent addition of Tyler Huntley further complicates the Browns’ quarterback depth chart.

The decision to start Sanders appears to be influenced by recent injury setbacks. Both Pickett and Gabriel are currently sidelined with hamstring injuries, while Flacco, at 40 years old, brings experience but limited mobility. Despite receiving the fewest reps with the first-team offense during training camp, Sanders has emerged as a viable option given the circumstances. Flacco has lead the starters in reps throughout camp.

“This is a valuable possibility for Shedeur to showcase his talent and gain crucial game experience,” a source close to the team stated. “The coaching staff wants to see how he performs under pressure in a real game situation.”

Beyond the Preseason: The Browns’ QB Landscape

The Browns’ quarterback situation is a interesting case study in modern NFL team building. The team’s investment in multiple young quarterbacks – Gabriel and Sanders – signals a long-term approach to finding their franchise player. This strategy allows for evaluation and growth without relying solely on immediate veteran production.The presence of Flacco and Pickett provides a veteran presence and a competitive environment, pushing the rookies to accelerate their learning curve.Huntley’s signing adds another layer of depth and experience.

Looking Ahead:

The Browns and Panthers will begin joint practices in Charlotte on Wednesday, providing an extended opportunity for both teams to evaluate their players against different competition. Friday’s preseason game will be the first public glimpse of the Browns’ quarterback competition in action, with all eyes on Sanders as he steps onto the field.

Cleveland.com was first to report the news of Sanders’ expected start.

What was John Stephen Sanders Jr.’s passer rating in the preseason opener?

Quarterback performance Analysis

Deshaun Watson remained sidelined, opening the door for Dorian Thompson-Robinson and, notably, John Stephen Sanders Jr.too showcase their abilities in the Cleveland Browns’ preseason opener against the Philadelphia eagles. Sanders, a rookie free agent, seized the prospect, leading the Browns’ offense with a performance that sparked considerable discussion amongst fans and analysts alike.

Here’s a breakdown of Sanders’ key stats from the game:

Passing Yards: 135

Completions/Attempts: 11/17 (64.7% completion rate)

Touchdowns: 1

Interceptions: 0

Passer Rating: 108.8

These numbers considerably outpaced Thompson-Robinson’s performance, fueling the narrative that Sanders is a legitimate contender for the backup quarterback role. the Browns’ quarterback depth chart is a key storyline heading into the 2025 NFL season.

Key Plays and Game impact

Sanders didn’t just accumulate stats; he made impactful plays. His 38-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Camp was a highlight reel moment, demonstrating both arm strength and accuracy.

Third Quarter Drive: Sanders orchestrated a 75-yard drive culminating in the touchdown, showcasing his ability to move the offense effectively.

Pocket Presence: Despite being a rookie, Sanders displayed composure in the pocket, avoiding pressure and making swift decisions.

Read Progression: Analysts noted Sanders’ ability to progress thru his reads,identifying open receivers and delivering accurate passes.This is crucial for a prosperous NFL quarterback.

The browns’ coaching staff will be closely evaluating these aspects of his game throughout the remainder of the preseason.

Comparing Sanders to Thompson-Robinson

The contrast between Sanders and Thompson-Robinson’s performances was stark. While Thompson-Robinson struggled with accuracy and decision-making, Sanders appeared poised and confident.

Here’s a quick comparison:

| Statistic | John Stephen Sanders jr. | Dorian Thompson-Robinson |

|——————–|————————–|—————————|

| Completion % | 64.7% | 42.9% |

| Passer Rating | 108.8 | 62.1 |

| Touchdowns | 1 | 0 |

| Interceptions | 0 | 1 |

This performance puts pressure on Thompson-Robinson to improve and solidify his position as the primary backup.The Browns’ quarterback competition is far from settled.

Browns Offensive Line performance

The offensive line played a important role in Sanders’ success, providing adequate protection and creating running lanes. While not flawless, the line showed improvement compared to previous preseason performances.

Pass Protection: Sanders was only sacked once, a testament to the line’s ability to keep him upright.

Run Blocking: The Browns’ running game, while not explosive, was consistent, averaging 4.2 yards per carry.

Key linemen: Left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr.and center Ethan Pocic demonstrated strong performances, anchoring the line.

A strong offensive line is paramount for any successful NFL team, and the Browns’ line is a unit to watch during the 2025 season.

Impact on Browns Roster decisions

sanders’ strong preseason debut has undoubtedly elaborate the Browns’ roster decisions. The team must decide weather to carry three quarterbacks or if Sanders’ performance warrants a spot on the 53-man roster.

Potential scenarios:

1. sanders makes the 53-man roster as the third quarterback.

2. Sanders is signed to the practice squad,providing insurance in case of injury.

3. Sanders is waived, possibly being claimed by another team.

Trade Value: If the browns decide to move on from Sanders, his performance could increase his trade value.

Future Outlook: Irrespective of the immediate outcome,Sanders has demonstrated potential and could be a valuable asset for the Browns in the future.

Browns Preseason Schedule & Key Dates

Here’s a look at the remaining Browns preseason schedule:

1. August 12th vs. new York Jets: Another opportunity for Sanders and Thompson-Robinson to compete.
2. August 24th vs. Kansas City Chiefs: A crucial test against a Super Bowl contender.

These games will be vital in determining the final composition of the Browns’ roster. Keep an eye on the Browns’ official website (https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/) for updates and ticket details.