Shedeur Sanders made his Cleveland Browns preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night. His poise and performance turned a lot of heads. Fans took to X to react.
Why Are the NFL Fans Impressed With Shedeur Sanders in First NFL Preseason Outing?
After arriving at Bank of America Stadium with a group around him and rap music booming through a speaker, Sanders flashed an ability to shine for Kevin Stefanski’s Browns. Sanders went 11 for 18 through the air during the first half, throwing a pair of touchdowns to Kaden Davis.
The showing might already have people wondering if Sanders is the best option in a quarterback room that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Tyler “Snoop” Huntley.
“A lot of people is going to get fired for not drafting Shedeur Sanders,” one fan posted with a video of Sanders hitting Davis on an in-breaking route between Panthers cornerback Shemar Bartholomew and safety Demani Richardson.
A lot of people is going to get fired for not drafting Shedeur Sanders 👀🔥pic.twitter.com/94n5fOe240
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) August 9, 2025
“Text from a high-ranking AFC North executive on #Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders: ‘It’s early, but wow. Actually shocked at how good he looks,’” Jordan Schultz said.
Text from a high-ranking AFC North executive on #Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders: “It’s early, but wow. Actually shocked at how good he looks.” https://t.co/sb5xKB63sA
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 9, 2025
“Turn your eyes #Giants fans,” NFL senior insider Josina Anderson wrote. “Shedeur Sanders with his 2nd TD of the night, showing perfect timing, going right back to Kaden Davis. #Browns. Confidence check.”
Turn your eyes #Giants fans.
Shedeur Sanders with his 2nd TD of the night showing perfect timing going right back to Kaden Davis. #Browns
Confidence check 📈 pic.twitter.com/AaRusrDJeH
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 9, 2025
“Shedeur Sanders’ decision making has been NFL level,” former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III said. “His pocket precise has been NFL Level. His field vision has been NFL Level. His playmaking ability has been NFL Level. But WE ALREADY KNEW THAT.”
Shedeur Sanders’ decision making has been NFL level.
His pocket precise has been NFL Level.
His field vision has been NFL Level.
His playmaking ability has been NFL Level.But WE ALREADY KNEW THAT.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 9, 2025
“Shedeur Sanders at the half vs. Panthers: 11/18, 103 YDS, 2 TD,” Statmuse said. “Threw as many touchdowns as incompletions in the second quarter.”
“Deion Sanders at home watching this Shedeur Sanders masterclass:” FanDuel Sportsbook posted along with a GIF of Shannon Sharpe pointing as if to say he said so.
Deion Sanders at home watching this Shedeur Sanders masterclass: pic.twitter.com/43CWC3ZZhI
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) August 9, 2025
“Me looking at the entire NFL after watching Shedeur throw his first preseason td,” another fan posted with a GIF of a man looking confrontational.
Me looking at the entire NFL after watching Shedeur throw his first preseason td pic.twitter.com/ckkeLycOk4
— Drugotz (@Drugotz790thejo) August 8, 2025
Memorably, Sanders slipped to the fifth round of this past spring’s 2025 NFL Draft after being projected as high as the No. 2 pick.
The Browns even selected another passer ahead of him in Gabriel, an Oregon product who played six college seasons at three different schools.
If Friday night is any indication, Sanders might prove doubters wrong and climb to the top of Cleveland’s depth chart. He’s currently fourth in line to start.
