Shedeur Sanders made his first start for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints after Deshaun Watson suffered a concussion during the previous week’s game against Pittsburgh. Sanders completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns in the contest, which ended in a 23-22 overtime defeat.
Sanders’ performance showcased several statistical accomplishments. He became the only quarterback to register multiple 60-yard completions during the season and the first Browns quarterback to throw for 250 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions in a game since Jameis Winston in 2024. The game itself was high-scoring, with 33 total points combined in the fourth quarter and overtime after the final quarter began tied 6-6. Sanders’ rookie receivers also distinguished themselves, with Denzel Boston catching six passes for 98 yards and KC Concepcion tallying four receptions for 85 yards. Boston and Concepcion became the only rookie duo in the past 35 years to record 60-yard receptions in the same game.
Sanders demonstrated resilience throughout the contest, producing limited offense through three quarters before the scoring accelerated. He led a game-tying drive in the fourth quarter that covered 41 yards on seven plays, setting up a 51-yard field goal. In overtime, he threw a 39-yard touchdown to Harold Fannin Jr., though the Browns ultimately fell short on a two-point conversion attempt, finishing 5-4 on the season.
Sanders’ performance drew praise from CBS Sports analyst Bill Cowher, who indicated the quarterback should become the starter. However, Browns offensive coordinator Todd Monken expressed satisfaction with Sanders’ effort given his limited preparation time. The decision regarding the starting quarterback position remains uncertain, as Watson previously led the team to a 5-3 record with five game-winning drives despite recent struggles with touchdown production.
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