Well, Cleveland Browns fans, it’s Shedeur Sanders’ time at least for this week. He is finally getting his chance to start with Dillon Gabriel’s injury. This is a great spot to be in, considering their opponents. However, with this being the first start of the year for one of the NFL’s more polarizing backups, this should be interesting. Let’s dive into how Sanders looked in his first game action last week and how he will look this weekend!
Shedeur Sanders First Game Action
The second half of last week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens was the first time Shedeur Sanders has played since the preseason. He was called upon in relief for Dillon Gabriel, who suffered a concussion. In the half of football Sanders played, he looked over his skis, despite not having an ideal opponent in his first live game action, the Baltimore Ravens.
After a solid start to his performance, completing his first two passes, Sanders was dreadful. For the entirety of the second half, he completed 4/16 passes for 47 yards, was sacked twice, and threw an interception. Just in the fourth quarter, he was 2/11. The two additional completions he did have came with 2:31 and 1:51 left in the game. So, after his first two completions, Sanders missed his next seven passes. Despite that, he still drove the Browns to the 25-yard line with a chance to tie the game but came up short.
What Is on the Line for Sanders This Weekend?
Simply put, everything is on the for Shedeur Sanders this weekend against the Raiders. After the Browns traded away Joe Flacco and named Gabriel their starter, he needed to be ready for any game, any minute, any moment where Cleveland might need him. Being an NFL quarterback is a privilege, not a right. There was a reason that all 32 franchises passed on him multiple times.
If he doesn’t show up and perform on Sunday, this could be the end of his career as we know it. Let’s say he plays poorly. Why would the Browns, or any team for that matter, take a second chance on Sanders? When he entered the game last Sunday, he looked overwhelmed and unprepared. Almost as if he wasn’t ready for the moment. For someone who thought he would go in the first round of the NFL Draft, to where he is now, this weekend is huge for Sanders.
Expectations for Shedeur vs. Raiders
I expect him to look better than he did against Baltimore. A whole week of first-team reps in practice should help his chemistry with the offensive line. He has experience in college of playing behind a subpar offensive line. However, the Raiders‘ defense isn’t anything to write home about.
For the season, they rank 24th in OPPG, 19th in OPYDs, 15th in ORYDs, 20th in offensive touchdowns allowed, 25th in sacks, & 15th in takeaways per game. Lastly, Maxx Crosby is listed as questionable with a knee injury. If he doesn’t play, that’s a massive boost for the Browns.
Final Thoughts
It’s safe to say that this is the most crucial game of Sanders’ life. If he doesn’t show up or put anything positive out on the field, his career could be short-lived. We have already seen every team pass on him and decline his services multiple times. For his sake, I hope he approaches this game like the Super Bowl.
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts and expectations on Shedeur Sanders this weekend! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
