The Browns dropped another game on Sunday, 23-20, to the Buffalo Bills. Here are some takeaways.
Shedeur Sanders continues to state his case for at least having a shot at the quarterback job in 2026. Outside of last week’s game in Chicago, Sanders has improved incrementally from week to week. While he did take two sacks this game, he also showcased his scrambling and athletic ability. He stepped up to avoid pressure multiple times, and also found success throwing on the run. Sanders’ athleticism was not thought to be elite coming out of college, but he showed Sunday that he has enough mobility to be an NFL quarterback.
The Browns may have found a future star tight end in Harold Fannin Jr. He caught a touchdown from Sanders and also had a rushing touchdown when lined up as a fullback. Fannin Jr. caught four passes for 34 yards. In doing so, he became the Browns franchise rookie reception leader, with his 67th catch of the season. He also became the first Browns rookie tight end to eclipse 600 receiving yards. Fannin Jr seems to be Sanders favorite target. With David Njoku hitting free agency after this year, Fannin Jr should be the Browns starting tight end next year.
The sack record is coming down to the wire. Myles Garrett recorded a half sack on Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen. This brought his total to 22 for the year. Garrett now needs only one sack to break the all-time single-season sack record. Next week against the arch rival Steelers and Quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be pure cinema.
While it has been a tough year for the Browns, Rookie Carson Schwesinger has flashed potential. In this game, he had 14 tackles (two for a loss) and a sack. He is the Browns’ leading tackler and looks every bit worth the second round pick the Browns used on him. Wide receiver Malachi Corley made the most of his snaps as well, recording two catches and three carries for 30 yards. Corley is a former third-round pick by the Jets, whom the Browns acquired at the end of training camp.
Quinshon Judkins dislocated his ankle and fractured his fibula in the second quarter. This is really a bummer for the Browns, as he was their leading rusher and among the leaders in rookie rushing yards. It is the hope that he will be back to 100 percent by training camp next year. The Browns’ special teams also reared their ugly heads again in this game. Holder Corey Bojorquez fumbled a snap and had to throw the ball away on a second-quarter field goal attempt. You would have to figure there could be changes made after the season. Bubba Ventrone could be on his way out.
The post Takeaways from the Browns 23-20 loss to the Bills appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .