Shedeur Sanders Leads Browns to Win in NFL Debut, Ends 30-Year Starter Drought
Nov, 24 2025
Shedeur Sanders didn’t just play his first NFL game—he rewrote a chapter of Cleveland Browns history. On November 23, 2025, the rookie fifth-round pick out of Colorado led the Cleveland Browns to a 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, becoming the first starting quarterback in franchise history to win his debut since 1995. With 209 yards on 11-of-20 passing, one touchdown, and one interception, Sanders didn’t dazzle with volume—but he delivered when it mattered most. And in a franchise known for quarterback chaos, that was enough to silence doubters, at least for now.
A Franchise Longing for Stability
For three decades, the Browns have cycled through quarterbacks like a college team runs through walk-ons. Since 1995, they’ve had 42 different starting quarterbacks—a number so absurd, it’s been compared to the count of U.S. presidents since 1809. That’s not hyperbole; it’s fact. The team’s instability isn’t just a footnote—it’s a defining trait. Fans have watched as names like Brandon Weeden, Johnny Manziel, Baker Mayfield, Deshaun Watson, and now Dillon Gabriel came and went, each promising salvation, each ultimately falling short. When head coach Kevin Stefanski took the field before the Raiders game without naming a starter, it wasn’t an oversight—it was business as usual in Cleveland.The Unexpected Starter
Sanders wasn’t even supposed to be here—not as the starter, anyway. Drafted in the fifth round out of the University of Colorado, where he played under his father, head coach Deion Sanders, he was expected to back up Dillon Gabriel. But Gabriel’s inconsistent play, coupled with a bruised shoulder in Week 8, opened the door. Stefanski called it a “game-time decision.” The crowd at the stadium—still unnamed in reports, but likely FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland—roared louder than expected. And when Sanders led a 75-yard drive in the second quarter, capped by a 32-yard strike to rookie wideout Jalen McMillan, the tone shifted. This wasn’t a lucky break. It was a statement.Pressure, and How He Handled It
The Raiders’ defense, ranked 12th in the league entering the game, came in expecting a shaky rookie. They blitzed early. They pressured him on 14 of his 20 dropbacks. Sanders scrambled twice, avoided two sacks, and delivered a dart on third-and-long to tight end David Njoku for the game’s only touchdown. “He didn’t flinch,” said one defensive lineman postgame, speaking anonymously. “He looked like he’d done this a hundred times.” Even more telling: he didn’t panic after his interception in the third quarter. He responded with a 58-yard drive that ate up 6:12 of clock and ended in a field goal. That’s poise. That’s leadership.
Fan Fury and the Future
The win didn’t just please fans—it ignited them. Social media exploded with #SandersIsOurQB. Calls to bench Gabriel grew deafening. “Dillon Gabriel needs benched!!!” screamed one viral clip from a fan in the stands. “Kevin Stefanski needs FIRED. Keep Deshaun Watson AWAY!!!” read another. The irony? Watson, the Browns’ former starter, remains under contract but hasn’t played since 2024 due to injury and off-field issues. His name still haunts the franchise. Sanders, by contrast, represents something new: youth, clarity, and—most importantly—results.Why This Matters Beyond Cleveland
This isn’t just about one game. It’s about a franchise finally breaking a cycle. The Browns haven’t had a winning season since 2020. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2021. And for 30 years, their quarterback carousel has been the primary reason. Sanders’ debut win—against a Raiders team that entered the game 6-4 and playoff-hungry—suggests a turning point. Even analysts who once mocked his draft stock are reconsidering. “He’s got a calmness you can’t teach,” said ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky on air the next morning. “He’s not flashy, but he’s efficient. And in the NFL, that’s worth more than arm strength.”
What Comes Next?
Stefanski hasn’t officially named Sanders the starter for Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But he also hasn’t said he won’t. And with Gabriel’s shoulder still sore and Watson’s future uncertain, the door is wide open. The Browns’ front office is reportedly evaluating Sanders’ performance with an eye toward long-term planning. If he keeps this up, the Browns won’t just be rebuilding—they’ll be redefining.For now, the message from the fans is clear: Don’t mess it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is it for a fifth-round quarterback to win his NFL debut?
Since 1970, only 11 fifth-round quarterbacks have started their first NFL game, and just three of them won. Shedeur Sanders joins that elite group, becoming the first to do so since Geno Smith in 2013. No fifth-round QB has ever won his debut with more than 200 passing yards and a touchdown—Sanders did both.
Why is the Browns’ quarterback history so chaotic?
Since 1999, the Browns have had 42 different starting quarterbacks—more than the U.S. has had presidents since 1809. The team has cycled through five head coaches and six general managers in that span, each bringing a different philosophy. No QB has lasted more than three seasons as the clear starter since Derek Anderson in 2007.
What role did Deion Sanders play in Shedeur’s development?
Deion Sanders, a Hall of Famer and now head coach at Colorado, didn’t just coach his son—he molded him. He emphasized mental toughness, film study, and poise under pressure. Shedeur played in high-pressure college games against Alabama and LSU, which prepared him for NFL adversity. “He didn’t grow up with a safety net,” said one former Colorado assistant. “He had to earn every snap.”
What are the chances Sanders keeps the job long-term?
If Sanders wins his next two starts, the Browns will likely lock him in as the 2026 starter. With Gabriel’s contract expiring after 2025 and Watson’s future in doubt, the team has a rare opportunity to build around a young QB. Front office insiders say Sanders’ poise and decision-making have already impressed scouts more than any rookie since Justin Herbert in 2020.
How does this win compare to other historic QB debuts in Browns history?
The last Browns QB to win his debut was Vinny Testaverde in 1995—30 years ago. Testaverde threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns against the Steelers. Sanders’ 209 yards and one TD may seem modest, but the context matters: he faced a stronger defense, played in a louder stadium, and did it with far less preseason hype. His win is more meaningful because the franchise was so broken.
What’s next for the Browns’ offense?
With Sanders now the de facto starter, expect more downfield passes and fewer short dumps. The coaching staff has already begun tailoring the playbook to his arm strength and mobility. Rookie receiver Jalen McMillan, who caught the touchdown, is now the clear No. 1 target. And if the offensive line stays healthy, this offense could surprise even the most skeptical fans.