Back in my days of school, it was always just simply getting by with passing a test. No, I didn’t desire that A+ or anything like that, but just enough to, well, make my parents proud. On Sunday, this is what I saw with Shedeur Sanders as the starter for the Cleveland Browns against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Browns won on the road in a 24-10 victory that was honestly dominated by DE Myles Garrett and the rest of the defense against one of the worst teams in the league. Sanders went 11/20 for 209 passing yards, one touchdown and an interception as well.
It wasn’t a mind-blowing start. However, Sanders did launch a 52-yard bomb on the run that nearly resulted in a score to Isaiah Bond. His 66-yard touchdown is a bit deceiving as it was on a screen pass to RB Dylan Sampson, who did the work on the play for the score. It wasn’t like the aforementioned “bomb” or anything…
So, I’m really trying to be excited without also pumping the breaks and realizing what we witnessed.
First of all, the Raiders are an absolutely terrible team and that really showed in Sunday’s game, making them now 2-9 on the year. Thus, Sanders’ opposition was not one to be impressed by for more than what he had the opportunity to do in beating a really bad squad.
Next, a lot of Sanders’ throws and such were dink and dump passes to wide-open receivers against a bad defense.
Also, that interception was an ugly one on a terrible pass.
Now, I’m not trying to be a cynical jerk or anything because the Browns got the win and there was a lot of impressive play by Sanders in the win against the Raiders. Also, it’s only one game for him as the starter and certainly not enough games to prove his worth.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has a decision to make on who will be the starting quarterback this upcoming Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers in Cleveland. A battle against a 7-4 that would be a lot more of a test for the rookie.
If I were in charge, I’d start Sanders over Dillion Gabriel, who has proven to be nothing more than a mediocre quarterback who couldn’t win games. It will be very interesting to see that choice in the upcoming days.
Well, somehow I made it through high school and graduated. Shedeur, I feel like that was the same with you and this first start. Again, this does not say you don’t have the opportunity to improve and get better throughout the rest of the season, but this was only one start and needs to be taken with hesitation, even though the excitement is and should be there.
Congratulations on the win and here’s to many more!
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