The Cleveland Browns had resisted pressure all season to start fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders, but circumstances changed when Dillon Gabriel was sidelined with a concussion. Despite having no first-team reps just a week prior, Sanders put together an impressive performance in his first NFL start on Sunday against the Raiders.
In doing so, he made history, leading the Browns to a 24-10 victory and breaking a nearly 30-year streak of Browns quarterbacks losing their first career starts. Following the performance, several analysts and former players are now urging Cleveland to start Sanders again.
Analysts Urge Browns To Keep Shedeur Sanders As Starter
After a rough debut last week, when he completed just four of 16 passes, Sanders showed clear improvement on Sunday, going 11 of 20 for 209 yards and throwing his first NFL touchdown. While he also threw an interception and was sacked once, the Browns pulled off a 24-10 victory, ending a three-game losing streak.
Veteran NFL analyst Albert Breer was impressed with Sanders’ first start and believes the Browns should keep the rookie under center for Week 13.
“Say this for Shedeur Sanders — It hasn’t been too big for him, and he hasn’t gotten out over his skis. Right now, he’s 11-of-20 for 209 yards, a touchdown and a pick, with completions of 66, 52 and 39 yards. If I’m the Browns, I’d want to see more, and start him again,” he wrote.
Say this for Shedeur Sanders—It hasn’t been too big for him, and he hasn’t gotten out over his skis. Right now, he’s 11-of-20 for 209 yards, a touchdown and a pick, with completions of 66, 52 and 39 yards.
If I’m the Browns, I’d want to see more, and start him again.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 23, 2025
Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel echoed Breer’s sentiment, noting that Sanders’ week of practice helped him feel comfortable on the field.
“One thing that really stands out about Shedeur Sanders is that this whole game hasn’t felt too big for me. If I’m the Browns, I absolutely want to see more from him. The week of practice has really made him feel comfortable,” he said.
Shedeur Sanders launches a 52 yarder (55 in the air) with a flick of the wrist, on the run, with pin point accuracy, WHILE getting hit in the mouth!
Definitely not NFL ready! 👀
If “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies” was a person. 💪🏾
PSALM 23.5 pic.twitter.com/kkDKNb6If2
— Millio (@J3amillio) November 24, 2025
Senior NFL insider Josina Anderson also advocated for Sanders to remain the starter moving forward.
“Shedeur Sanders gets the win & should remain the starter in Cleveland,” she wrote. “Sanders should’ve started the season. I’m sure we’ll see all the Shedeur Sanders #ActualDebut stat line graphic posted everywhere like last week. Sports embodies not only the game on the field, but also the culture of engagement around it. Will always cover it all!
“With tremendous pressure on his shoulders and many critics foaming to see him fail, Sanders becomes the 1st #Browns QB to win his first start since 1995.”
While head coach Kevin Stefanski praised Sanders’ performance, he didn’t commit to naming him the starter for Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers. Dillon Gabriel, who has been sidelined with a concussion, could reclaim his starting role, but he’s the second-worst-rated QB in PFSN’s QB Impact metric, and Stefanski now faces mounting pressure after Sanders impressed in his debut.
Sanders’ performance wasn’t flawless, but he showed flashes of his talent and made several impactful plays, including a 52-yard bomb to Isiah Bond, which set up the Browns’ second touchdown inside the first quarter. Overall, his debut highlighted why many analysts and insiders are pushing for him to continue as Cleveland’s starting quarterback.
