- - Shedeur 1, Haters 0. Sanders had answer for every NFL draft snub

Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY November 24, 2025 at 5:36 AM

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Shedeur 1, Haters 0. Sanders had answer for every NFL draft snub

What a scrapbook memory for Shedeur Sanders. Coach Prime came to witness his son’s first NFL start. A suspect Raiders defense played along. Myles Garrett was there on his side. And how.

Lights. Camera. Action.

When it was over, after the NFL’s highest-profiled rookie – fifth-round draft status or not – came out as a winner with the Cleveland Browns he flashed his million-watt smile and essentially said he told you so.

“Hopefully, we cleared a little stuff up,” Sanders said after the 24-10 victory in Las Vegas on Sunday. “But we have a long way to go, a long way to grow. I know it’s only one way. And the only way is up.”

That bit of instant self-analysis was appropriate enough, given the saga. Sanders, the projected first-round pick who plummeted to the fifth round, finally got a chance to crack the lineup, given the concussion that sidelined fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. And for a quarterback who finally got some quality practice reps with the starters, due to the looming assignment, he made a pretty good statement about his potential.

The numbers don’t leap off your fantasy scoresheet. Sanders barely completed half his passes (11 of 20, for 209 yards, with a TD, an INT and an 87.3 efficiency rating). The Browns tallied just 11 first downs under his command, which is what happens when you’re 3-for-12 on third downs. And while his first NFL touchdown throw went for 66 yards, rookie running back Dylan Sampson did the heavy lifting, weaving and darting his way to paydirt after taking a swing pass in the flat.

1 / 12See Shedeur Sanders make first NFL career start for Cleveland BrownsCleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders passes against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev. on Nov. 23, 2025.

Yet Sanders was ready for his big moment nonetheless, and he’ll step right up as the buzz will surely intensify over the decision facing Browns coach Kevin Stefanski about which rookie quarterback starts when both are healthy.

After preseason 'competition,' Shedeur Sanders finally gets his chance at QB1

Sanders, the 42nd quarterback to start for the Browns since the franchise rebooted in 1999, became the first Browns rookie quarterback to win in his debut start since Eric Zeier in 1995. And he produced the two longest plays of the season for the Browns (3-8).

He didn’t get a real crack when the competition was supposedly open during the summer. Perhaps he will get a shot now, considering the production he displayed with a week of dedicated preparation and the jolt of energy he brings as part of his package.

Not only did Sanders not wet his pants inside the giant Roomba-looking venue near The Strip, (ala Allegiant Stadium) he demonstrated what could make him special – as it did when he played for his father, Deion Sanders, at Colorado – as a playmaker. On a third-and-eight late in the first quarter, Sanders rolled away from a free blitzer coming up the middle and connected with Isaiah Bond on a 52-yard dime that set up the Quinshon Judkins 2-yard TD run that, with the conversion, made it 14-0.

As Stefanski put it, “I think you saw a lot of what Shedeur does well on the field today, to make that play off-schedule when we were outmanned in protection, to get the ball down the field.”

Tim Couch #2

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hOcJ6vpUprVlgBRifDqSeA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/15b58206a3059b9eba89161cbda5f7ec class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Tim Couch #2

">Tim Couch #2

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hOcJ6vpUprVlgBRifDqSeA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/15b58206a3059b9eba89161cbda5f7ec class=caas-img>Ty Detmer #11

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iJAgzqWtV2gpqMg5MAbvJw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NzY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cd34de6f2fd06131cb96fec44ce70a36 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Ty Detmer #11

">Ty Detmer #11

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iJAgzqWtV2gpqMg5MAbvJw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NzY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cd34de6f2fd06131cb96fec44ce70a36 class=caas-img>Doug Pederson #18

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/obNSWhGToxsUDCZpdr8WZg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3046182a5a3a4c11bb732b8de5875957 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Doug Pederson #18

">Doug Pederson #18

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/obNSWhGToxsUDCZpdr8WZg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3046182a5a3a4c11bb732b8de5875957 class=caas-img>Spergon Wynn #13

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fTi7h5EczBilYcya7Hgf0Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e4b57cd28b7146fffa7826c7d23305be class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Spergon Wynn #13

">Spergon Wynn #13

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fTi7h5EczBilYcya7Hgf0Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e4b57cd28b7146fffa7826c7d23305be class=caas-img>Kelly Holcomb #10

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PmXPE7jZnKHuv7e.5EzDLQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/789656908b9f193c6b2d4bffa9e06b50 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Kelly Holcomb #10

">Kelly Holcomb #10

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PmXPE7jZnKHuv7e.5EzDLQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/789656908b9f193c6b2d4bffa9e06b50 class=caas-img>Jeff Garcia #5

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/R78m2Bwv78_GiseKbPPxaw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/681a38eb2dd14f71de1a04a44590103e class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Jeff Garcia #5

">Jeff Garcia #5

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/R78m2Bwv78_GiseKbPPxaw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/681a38eb2dd14f71de1a04a44590103e class=caas-img>Luke McCown #12

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_DJritmvXXgdG7HQiUELkQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d20ba609d42b717f70357cc6f76b6536 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Luke McCown #12

">Luke McCown #12

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_DJritmvXXgdG7HQiUELkQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d20ba609d42b717f70357cc6f76b6536 class=caas-img>Trent Dilfer #8

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Gvdagun4Ahjm_xB2yQ1O_Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTMw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/15931abad93e44b1230c1c0efd22b5cf class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Trent Dilfer #8

">Trent Dilfer #8

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Gvdagun4Ahjm_xB2yQ1O_Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTMw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/15931abad93e44b1230c1c0efd22b5cf class=caas-img>Charlie Frye #9

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vZF9_M3i0vruy16lcaETPA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/036417ce56650a9e8c1d8bbf4a8e80b7 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Charlie Frye #9

">Charlie Frye #9

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vZF9_M3i0vruy16lcaETPA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/036417ce56650a9e8c1d8bbf4a8e80b7 class=caas-img>Derek Anderson #3

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/on246kWRAwh_yWro0.0EuA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjcx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6e23641901202f9b76d0df97dc29a054 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Derek Anderson #3

">Derek Anderson #3

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/on246kWRAwh_yWro0.0EuA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjcx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6e23641901202f9b76d0df97dc29a054 class=caas-img>Brady Quinn #10

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6h44M2cD2ZR6A9USAn8KIw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDIz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c274140ad1335ceb81932576356b7400 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Brady Quinn #10

">Brady Quinn #10

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6h44M2cD2ZR6A9USAn8KIw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDIz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c274140ad1335ceb81932576356b7400 class=caas-img>Ken Dorsey #11

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/o2WZda4eR31XPdrDYMe7rA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8620b315716b3a2476ec1384bcb76f7e class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Ken Dorsey #11

">Ken Dorsey #11

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/o2WZda4eR31XPdrDYMe7rA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8620b315716b3a2476ec1384bcb76f7e class=caas-img>Bruce Gradkowski #7

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gmKMyqXAENNS_qwBg_Rrug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b4b8eb1444b2e1add6478c5f47a8ccfe class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Bruce Gradkowski #7

">Bruce Gradkowski #7

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gmKMyqXAENNS_qwBg_Rrug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b4b8eb1444b2e1add6478c5f47a8ccfe class=caas-img>Seneca Wallace #6

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MNjcnSSKoYzLdadN26go2g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjc1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4db30a9f27ede80131ab264bca8af4b9 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Seneca Wallace #6

">Seneca Wallace #6

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MNjcnSSKoYzLdadN26go2g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjc1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4db30a9f27ede80131ab264bca8af4b9 class=caas-img>Jake Delhomme #17

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/l9d67DqAuFuNRDeJAxEe4w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTg1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ea50b5ff84bcced6a86b1362f4648f62 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Jake Delhomme #17

">Jake Delhomme #17

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/l9d67DqAuFuNRDeJAxEe4w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTg1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ea50b5ff84bcced6a86b1362f4648f62 class=caas-img>Colt McCoy #12

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pnk3wNFsouPX1jiYFi832w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fd05e89a61742e0213dbd086e6ee8078 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Colt McCoy #12

">Colt McCoy #12

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pnk3wNFsouPX1jiYFi832w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fd05e89a61742e0213dbd086e6ee8078 class=caas-img>Thaddeus Lewis #9

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/B35Id5AwyNuaRDLy51fr1A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9f89c42b9654c896577732dacd34875b class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Thaddeus Lewis #9

">Thaddeus Lewis #9

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/B35Id5AwyNuaRDLy51fr1A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9f89c42b9654c896577732dacd34875b class=caas-img>Brandon Weeden #3

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/J.Gl1ME.iMkT_oibCgg7PQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/38bfd2847c274a89a64dbde537f9ead5 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Brandon Weeden #3

">Brandon Weeden #3

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/J.Gl1ME.iMkT_oibCgg7PQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/38bfd2847c274a89a64dbde537f9ead5 class=caas-img>Jason Campbell #17

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rHne54MKFvQfNLuRPP.Hkw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Njg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bb1a494138a7886cce0918e8b360899a class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Jason Campbell #17

">Jason Campbell #17

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rHne54MKFvQfNLuRPP.Hkw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Njg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bb1a494138a7886cce0918e8b360899a class=caas-img>Brian Hoyer #6

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZWdp7X.lwq.4cx8Wn01k4w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MTg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0f8b1f1f063eb0ab8ce9dacc85726a83 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Brian Hoyer #6

">Brian Hoyer #6

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZWdp7X.lwq.4cx8Wn01k4w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MTg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0f8b1f1f063eb0ab8ce9dacc85726a83 class=caas-img>Johnny Manziel #2

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YEsbVP574t2j9ugZGosHHA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c2f9dd514793b77f1dd4b393e1281ff1 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Johnny Manziel #2

">Johnny Manziel #2

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YEsbVP574t2j9ugZGosHHA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c2f9dd514793b77f1dd4b393e1281ff1 class=caas-img>Connor Shaw #9

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iAB.1F82RFak9w5dwsGMDg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4612a549ae43cdcafbed8736a89aa504 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Connor Shaw #9

">Connor Shaw #9

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iAB.1F82RFak9w5dwsGMDg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4612a549ae43cdcafbed8736a89aa504 class=caas-img>Josh McCown #13

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/V9oqZ092izpgmGxo9vF99A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/94c3ea65e97eefe58cf74b89cb54c483 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Josh McCown #13

">Josh McCown #13

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/V9oqZ092izpgmGxo9vF99A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/94c3ea65e97eefe58cf74b89cb54c483 class=caas-img>Austin Davis #7

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LNd6y2NKdPDBiqAfLMVCRQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3eb98cae1a869b81553ac5be796075c7 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Austin Davis #7

">Austin Davis #7

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LNd6y2NKdPDBiqAfLMVCRQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3eb98cae1a869b81553ac5be796075c7 class=caas-img>Cody Kessler #6

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/O4mdmbP_iOG6wqCmun4S8g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODEz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1efdeed07e5f57e3de30620048e35f9d class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Cody Kessler #6

">Cody Kessler #6

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/O4mdmbP_iOG6wqCmun4S8g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODEz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1efdeed07e5f57e3de30620048e35f9d class=caas-img>Robert Griffin III #10

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Zp_js2qvieV6J.oub4kXhQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a66705da01e0f0b06ca97008476a6b79 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Robert Griffin III #10

">Robert Griffin III #10

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Zp_js2qvieV6J.oub4kXhQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a66705da01e0f0b06ca97008476a6b79 class=caas-img>DeShone Kizer #7

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KgxITTtoEFkwdjGQAKfxUg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/50e7e829ce8f9f13206ef89cc073df89 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

DeShone Kizer #7

">DeShone Kizer #7

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KgxITTtoEFkwdjGQAKfxUg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/50e7e829ce8f9f13206ef89cc073df89 class=caas-img>Kevin Hogan #8

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/7wbhnIsfDMUt8m2Lc7peZg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aa351a9bcf5134910d9f0532e6d38309 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Kevin Hogan #8

">Kevin Hogan #8

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/7wbhnIsfDMUt8m2Lc7peZg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aa351a9bcf5134910d9f0532e6d38309 class=caas-img>Baker Mayfield #6

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8EY72U2IEhyh0_EpTfiG0A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODgw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/db94b4af893f3e22dc128aad4bcd218c class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Baker Mayfield #6

">Baker Mayfield #6

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8EY72U2IEhyh0_EpTfiG0A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODgw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/db94b4af893f3e22dc128aad4bcd218c class=caas-img>Tyrod Taylor #5

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/49UzQz5rdCbwKg.0cn2JHQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Njc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/67427e862bcca855921ff90e8999f081 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Tyrod Taylor #5

">Tyrod Taylor #5

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/49UzQz5rdCbwKg.0cn2JHQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Njc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/67427e862bcca855921ff90e8999f081 class=caas-img>Case Keenum #5

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/poaOQ7tIefG_KzcMZzGwbA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/956f22faa31f4dc27e85c55e9ded6bbd class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Case Keenum #5

">Case Keenum #5

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/poaOQ7tIefG_KzcMZzGwbA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/956f22faa31f4dc27e85c55e9ded6bbd class=caas-img> Nick Mullens #9

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jFWiLsDW4bAxOl4KkK9YWQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/449625eb8860bb8e91d482287100a965 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Nick Mullens #9

"> Nick Mullens #9

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jFWiLsDW4bAxOl4KkK9YWQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/449625eb8860bb8e91d482287100a965 class=caas-img>Jacoby Brissett #7

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NywWWLX5A7CXQFKSEt4Qew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/56d092c7abcde47d19176daa1061fb38 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Jacoby Brissett #7

">Jacoby Brissett #7

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NywWWLX5A7CXQFKSEt4Qew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/56d092c7abcde47d19176daa1061fb38 class=caas-img>Deshaun Watson #4

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QO6DetpVPbb7gRbBGe.ZTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3e94cdb9b20cbb22db9b85b3df8a4478 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Deshaun Watson #4

">Deshaun Watson #4

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QO6DetpVPbb7gRbBGe.ZTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3e94cdb9b20cbb22db9b85b3df8a4478 class=caas-img>PJ Walker #10

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/X.ypaQGuxyWwSvg_lLBBBg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/149e24e78d88d10d2730f650c3fb0e0e class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

PJ Walker #10

">PJ Walker #10

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/X.ypaQGuxyWwSvg_lLBBBg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/149e24e78d88d10d2730f650c3fb0e0e class=caas-img>Jeff Driskel #12

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Q8Oi8dWbZyp1Ryf7GWXH7w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/575cfee93c91649ccc42af42a1752686 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Jeff Driskel #12

">Jeff Driskel #12

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Q8Oi8dWbZyp1Ryf7GWXH7w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/575cfee93c91649ccc42af42a1752686 class=caas-img>Joe Flacco #15

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RxtKIsuW7WA0Kv7UXlUboA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4f7e86736325fa12cb0fa5612811eed2 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Joe Flacco #15

">Joe Flacco #15

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RxtKIsuW7WA0Kv7UXlUboA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4f7e86736325fa12cb0fa5612811eed2 class=caas-img>Dorian Thompson-Robinson #17

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CL_1XpqNv3ZeP0uSA.N1CQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/379591d2962a6c89833067b198f4bb67 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Dorian Thompson-Robinson #17

">Dorian Thompson-Robinson #17

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CL_1XpqNv3ZeP0uSA.N1CQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/379591d2962a6c89833067b198f4bb67 class=caas-img>Jameis Winston #5

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Nv1OAHWjprlMMP6y.Mp2Sg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/578a04d85d568e0327f299a3f5ec02d1 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Jameis Winston #5

">Jameis Winston #5

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Nv1OAHWjprlMMP6y.Mp2Sg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/578a04d85d568e0327f299a3f5ec02d1 class=caas-img>Bailey Zappe #2

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HePOfHu7TUX0sMkfP9OCOA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/30a4716f72eae24d6ea648b362bbf7fa class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Bailey Zappe #2

">Bailey Zappe #2

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HePOfHu7TUX0sMkfP9OCOA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/30a4716f72eae24d6ea648b362bbf7fa class=caas-img>Dillon Gabriel #8

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/41dQIKP5sGqAt1fj_GBDuw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d41457a35cec7280f17c7297882647c8 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Dillon Gabriel #8

">Dillon Gabriel #8

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/41dQIKP5sGqAt1fj_GBDuw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d41457a35cec7280f17c7297882647c8 class=caas-img>Shedeur Sanders #12

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dCt7X_SwSWpZbfw1kKTitw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MTM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e68c841223a1245d82469ae194420760 class=caas-img data-headline="Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield" data-caption="

Shedeur Sanders #12

">Shedeur Sanders #12

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dCt7X_SwSWpZbfw1kKTitw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MTM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e68c841223a1245d82469ae194420760 class=caas-img>

1 / 42Every Browns starting quarterback since 1999: Joe Flacco, Tim Couch, Baker Mayfield

Tim Couch #2

Myles Garrett's brilliance finally rewarded in Browns win

It helped immensely that Sanders had the backing of one of the NFL’s best defenses, led by the incomparable Garrett, who again showed why there’s no debate that he’s hurtling toward another NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

Poor Geno Smith.

The Browns sacked Smith 10 times and Garrett collected three of the sacks to go with his two forced fumbles, six quarterback hits and four tackles for loss. Garrett broke his own single-season franchise record for sacks, leaving with 18, which leaves him five sacks shy of the all-time NFL record – with six games to play.

Still, the “best supporting” role for Sanders was significant enough. Think about the quarterback-needy teams that passed on Sanders, including the Raiders, who drafted running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth pick overall. Las Vegas drafted wide receiver Jack Bech in the second round (58th overall), cornerback Darrien Porter (68th) early in the third round, plus four other prospects before Sanders was picked 144th overall.

Interestingly, former Raiders coach Antonio Pierce told CBS that had he still been in his previous position that he would have ensured that the team drafted Sanders – and he insisted that Raiders owner Mark Davis agreed with that position. Pierce, though, was replaced by Pete Carroll, aligned with new GM John Spytek, while Tom Brady consults.

Maybe Sanders just delivered some payback to the Raiders to start his revenge tour.

“I was a fifth-round pick,” he said. “I got skipped by everybody. At least five times.”

Hey, the revenge tour could take years.

To his credit, Sanders didn’t play into that theme on Sunday.

“It just comes with the game,” he said. “It is what it is. But I’m just thankful for where I am now. Everybody has their differences, but I still got an opportunity to play … The money’s different, but thankfully, I have a good family.”

From distraction to proud papa. Deion Sanders cheers on son's first win

Ah, the family. The video clip of Deion greeting Shedeur in the tunnel before the game went viral. In the days leading up to Sunday, Coach Prime didn’t commit to making the trip from Colorado – where his Buffaloes fell to 3-8 with a home loss against Arizona State on Saturday night – but obviously was compelled to capture the moment.

After all, Shedeur made it back to Boulder during the Browns’ bye week. And it’s not every day that one of his sons makes his first NFL start.

No, Deion was anything but a distraction. During the game, the TV cameras caught him in a suite looking like any other proud father cheering on his son’s biggest plays.

Still, the father-son connection, as beneficial as it is on many levels, was one of the residuals from the draft plummet for Shedeur as some decision-makers expressed uneasiness with the dynamic.

Time will tell whether that was a huge mistake in judgment by some NFL teams. To this point, though, it was part of the equation that resulted in Sanders falling way deeper in the draft than many in the NFL universe imagined and winding up as the “second” rookie quarterback on his team, buried deeper on the depth chart than he’s ever been.

“That’s how life is,” Sanders said. “Everybody’s not in the best situation, but it’s no excuse. You’ve got to go out and perform. It’s no choice. Nobody cares if this was one week of prep. Who cares?

“So, a lot of people want to see me fail. It ain’t going to happen.”

Haters or not, it merely must be proven over and over again.

Contact Jarrett Bell at [email protected] or follow on X: @JarrettBell

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Browns Shedeur Sanders' first start answers every NFL draft snub

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Sports”