The Browns have a hodgepodge of a quarterback room, and it got more interesting in Cleveland’s first preseason game against the Panthers. Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel were sidelined with injuries, clearing the floor for an unsuspected hero. Shedeur Sanders got the start and played most of the game, leading the Browns to the 30-10 win over Carolina. It was preseason, but Sanders looked great in his first taste of NFL action.
The Browns decided to be the team that took the fifth-round flyer on Sanders, and after three quarters of football, they shouldn’t regret it. On his third offensive drive, Sanders threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Kaden Davis to open the scoring for the Browns. He found Davis again for his second touchdown pass of the night. In the third quarter, Sanders led Cleveland down the field again, leading to a four-yard rushing touchdown for Gage Larvadain.
Sanders hit his signature celebration after both touchdown passes. He made great throws all night. He looked better than anybody could have expected. Cleveland’s odd quarterback room got a shakeup. Pickett and Gabriel should fear for their job, because Sanders made the most of his opportunity and showed the world that he deserved to be drafted higher. It’s only the preseason, but the same people saying that are the same people who would have bashed Sanders if he played badly.
Cleveland has decisions to make before the regular season arrives. Things can change in three weeks, but the first game raised questions. The Browns should trade Pickett for anything they can get. Sanders can do anything Pickett can do with a higher ceiling. Joe Flacco is the elder statesman of the group, and he should be the starter. Sanders is a viable backup, and Gabriel can stick around as the emergency quarterback. Deshaun Watson is still on the team for some reason.
Sanders made great throws into tight windows in his first NFL action. He fades out of the pocket easily, but that is PTSD from Colorado. His movement in the pocket at times was pro-level. Pickett isn’t the worst quarterback in the room, but he’s the only one who could fetch something in a trade at this point. Grab a draft pick and move on with Flacco, Sanders, and Gabriel. The Browns don’t make the best decisions, but this is a no-brainer.
All eyes were on Sanders on Thursday, and he balled out. He finished the night completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He looked calm, cool, and collected out there. Sanders deserves a shot at the backup job. His performance was good enough for over 300 people to place an Offensive Rookie of the Year future bet on him at Fanduel Sportsbook. He should be Flacco’s backup.
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!
