Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders experienced a harsh initiation to the NFL on Sunday as he made his long-awaited debut against the Baltimore Ravens. Entering the game in the second half after starter Dillon Gabriel was out with a concussion, Sanders had a hard time finding any rhythm. The Browns lost 23-16, making it a difficult day for the QB and a good one for the Ravens, who secured their fourth consecutive win.
Ronnie Stanley Opens up on Facing Shedeur Sanders
Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, a two-time Pro Bowler, was asked about Shedeur Sanders’ debut in an exclusive interview with PFSN’s Allison Koehler. Koehler noted that Sanders had quickly become a national talking point and asked Stanley what it was like to witness the moment from the sidelines, as well as his thoughts on the league’s next generation of quarterbacks.
Stanley praised the new wave of quarterbacks as highly talented and well-rounded, adding that the level of competition across the league is intense.
“I didn’t think much of it when it was happening, but the crowd was definitely excited,” he said. “The new generation of quarterbacks is super talented. They don’t really have weaknesses. They’re all well-rounded quarterbacks. It’s very competitive.”
Sanders, the fifth-round pick out of Colorado, had once been projected as a potential first-round selection after an incredible season that earned him Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors and eighth place in Heisman voting. However, he spent much of the preseason competing for depth chart positioning in a reshaped Browns quarterback room.
Entering the game with Cleveland holding a 16-10 lead, Sanders had a hard time immediately. He completed 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards, threw an interception, and was sacked twice. His first NFL pass went to Cedric Tillman for five yards, but the drive unraveled, including a sack and a heavy-hit interception. A late intentional grounding penalty further hampered Cleveland’s final drive. His PFSN QB Impact Score for the game is 63.4 with a D grade.
Meanwhile, Baltimore’s offense, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, rallied in the second half. Tight end Mark Andrews ran 35 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 2:31 remaining. Jackson and the Ravens executed the play flawlessly, with fullback Patrick Ricard providing an important block that allowed Andrews to reach the end zone untouched. Jackson completed 14 of 25 passes for 193 yards and two interceptions.
Sanders might play in the upcoming week depending on Dillon Gabriel’s recovery, and if he clears the concussion protocol in time, Sanders is expected to return to a backup role, according to coach Kevin Stefanski.
