Time for Accountability: Shedeur Sanders Ascends to Browns QB1 After Impressive First Start

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CLEVELAND, OH — The quarterback carousel in Cleveland may have finally stopped. After an offseason defined by quarterback competition and in-season turmoil, the Cleveland Browns have officially named rookie Shedeur Sanders their starting quarterback, elevating the fifth-round pick to QB1 immediately following his impressive first career start—a 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Sanders’ promotion is a major inflection point for the franchise. He becomes the first Browns rookie quarterback since 1995 to win his debut start, validating the organization’s faith in the former Colorado star despite his initial fall to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Debut: Poise Amid Pressure

Sanders’ first appearance, a difficult relief role last week against the Ravens, saw him struggle. But with a full week of preparation and first-team reps, the rookie looked composed and in command on Sunday, focusing on execution and ball security.

Final Line: Sanders finished 11-of-20 passing for 209 yards, tossing one touchdown and one interception. While the numbers were modest, the performance was defined by timely, explosive plays.
The Big Throws: Sanders showed the arm talent that wowed scouts, uncorking a beautiful deep ball to rookie wideout Isaiah Bond for a 52-yard gain that led directly to a touchdown run. He later threw his first career touchdown pass on a high-percentage, 66-yard screen pass to running back Dylan Sampson, showcasing his ability to deliver points through efficiency.
“The Operation Was Good”: Head Coach Kevin Stefanski noted that Sanders’ play was largely risk-averse, allowing the Browns’ historically dominant defense—which recorded 10 sacks on the day—to control the game. Stefanski praised the rookie, stating, “The No. 1 job of a quarterback is to win,” and that the overall operation under Sanders was “good.”

The QB1 Status is Official

The most significant news came Monday, as Stefanski announced that Sanders would remain the starter, even after former QB Dillon Gabriel cleared concussion protocol. This is more than a short-term substitution; it is a clear commitment from the coaching staff to give Sanders the remainder of the season to develop and prove his mantle.

Sanders, who himself stated before the game that he believes he is the franchise quarterback the Browns have been searching for, now has the chance to prove it over the final six games. The veteran-laden locker room has seemingly embraced the change. Superstar defensive end Myles Garrett—who had a three-sack day—praised Sanders’ poise, noting that his 52-yard completion to Bond was a throw not many quarterbacks in the league can make.

From a fifth-round pick to the undisputed QB1 in a single week, Shedeur Sanders has officially ushered in a new, high-ceiling era for the Cleveland Browns. His mission now is to prove that his composure and flashes of big-play ability can be the sustainable solution the franchise has sought for decades.