Has Cleveland Set Shedeur Sanders Up to Fail?
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Cleveland Browns to Start Rookie Quarterback Shedeur Sanders Against Las Vegas Raiders
The Cleveland Browns have announced that rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will start in their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, November 23, 2025. This decision comes after fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel sustained a concussion during the Browns' 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on November 16, 2025. In his NFL debut, Sanders completed 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards, threw one interception, and was sacked twice, resulting in a passer rating of 13.5. Notably, the Browns failed to score during his time under center. Gabriel had been the starting quarterback since Week 5, leading the team to a 1-5 record in his six starts. With Gabriel in concussion protocol, Sanders will receive all first-team reps in practice this week.
The Browns' offense has struggled this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in total offense, passing yards, and scoring. The decision to start Sanders, who has limited experience with the first-team offense, raises concerns about the team's preparedness. A teammate mentioned in an interview that he has only heard the newly starting quarterback's snap count twice, highlighting potential communication issues.
Looking ahead, the Browns face the Raiders on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 1:05 PM PST. The outcome of this game will be crucial for the team's playoff aspirations and could influence future roster decisions. The Browns will need to address their offensive challenges and ensure that Sanders is adequately prepared to lead the team.
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