If you are a Cleveland Browns fan right now, you are probably still coming down off the high of watching your new rookie quarterback, Shedeur Sanders’ impressive debut in his first NFL preseason game. It was something to “witness” as he has stormed into the spotlight after that performance against the Carolina Panthers. We’re still a month away from the NFL regular season, so there will be plenty of time to debate the pros and cons of this rising star in the league. For now, Cleveland fans enjoy the moment. Here’s this week’s 1st and Goal Report.
Photo via Imagn Images
1st and Goal: Shedeur Sanders shows out under the Friday Night Football Lights!
Oh, how a week can change things. Earlier last week, we discussed Sanders being left out of team drills because he reported having a sore shoulder. Every fan of Sanders was worried. Then it was announced later in the week that Sanders would actually be starting the first preseason game. It certainly created a wide range of emotions for Browns fans.
Then it was a game day, and fans anticipated the start of the new rookie quarterback. Those nerves and anxiousness turned into excitement as Sanders showed out in the game, throwing for two touchdowns and leading another touchdown drive as his team routed the Panthers 30-10.
He certainly passed my “eye test”. His calm and confident play was on center stage.
Could we be seeing the start of a new franchise quarterback in a “Brown and Orange” uniform? I certainly believe so and should give all Browns fans a lot to cheer about in the future!
Photo via Imagn Images
2nd and Goal: Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger just as impressive for the D
While Sanders was sparking the offense, rookie defensive lineman Mason Graham and linebacker Carson Schwesinger were everywhere on defense and helped Cleveland keep the Panthers down at the start of the game.
Graham was getting double-teamed at the start, and Schwesinger had six tackles on only 13 plays. As one of my colleagues shared on the Fanatical Elfz Network (podcast), we were watching the future Browns defense for the next 10 years.
Both these players’ talents are something for all Cleveland fans to get excited about!
3rd and Goal: So what now in the quarterback carousel?
With Sanders having a stellar game on Friday, it has opened up a can of worms for the team.
He was listed as the fourth stringer last week behind veterans Joe Flacco (presumed season starter), Kenny Pickett and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. With both Pickett and Gabriel nursing hamstring injuries, does this shoot Sanders up the ladder?
He certainly has earned more reps going into this next week and joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Does Sanders potentially start as the Week 1 starter? I’d say no, but it certainly lines up a nice transition of Flacco to Sanders and would then start by Week 6 or 7 of the regular season.
Photo via Imagn Images
4th and Goal: Browns battle Eagles in preseason practices and game on Saturday
Cleveland will travel to Philly early this week and have joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday. That will lead to a preseason game on Saturday, April 16th at 1 pm.
We’ll be monitoring the situation very closely, but I’d expect to see Sanders given a lot more reps, especially against the first teamers. I’d also think that the Browns will give Sanders the start again this Saturday.
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