Shedeur Sanders, rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, took the field this Sunday (16) against the Baltimore Ravens after Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion. The game, valid for week 11 of the NFL regular season, ended with a 23-16 victory for the Ravens at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. Sanders took over early in the third quarter and completed 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards, with one interception.
The change occurred shortly after the break, when Gabriel was assessed for concussion and subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the match. The Browns led 16-10 at the end of the first half, but were unable to maintain the advantage. Sanders also ran three times for 16 yards.
Fans pressed for change in the first half
During the first half, some of the fans present at the stadium booed Dillon Gabriel for bad shots and chanted asking for Shedeur Sanders to enter. Gabriel had completed 7 of 10 passes for 68 yards and rushed twice for 2 yards.
The pressure from the stands increased after consecutive incomplete passes from the starter. The change happened exactly in the first offensive series of the second half.
Discreet numbers at official debut
Sanders started well by completing the first two passes, one to Cedric Tillman and the other to David Njoku. He then suffered a sack on third down and the Browns had to punt.
The freshman finished with a 25% pass rate. The interception came at a decisive moment in the final quarter.
The reaction attempt came in the final minutes, when Cleveland reached the Ravens’ 25-yard line. Sanders threw three incomplete passes in a row and the team gave up possession on downs.
Trajectory to activation as backup
Selected in the fifth round of the 2025 Draft, at pick 144, Shedeur Sanders began the season as the fourth quarterback on the Browns’ depth chart.
The move to immediate reserve occurred after trades involving Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. The player is the son of Colorado Buffaloes coach and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Deion Sanders.
Defeat keeps Browns in delicate situation
With the result, Cleveland remains with a negative campaign this season. The Ravens took advantage of the opponent’s attacking mistakes in the second half to turn the score around.
The Browns’ defense recorded four sacks, all by Myles Garrett, but was unable to hold off Baltimore’s attack in the decisive moments. The team returns to the field next Sunday against an opponent yet to be defined.
Next steps for quarterbacks
Dillon Gabriel will undergo the NFL’s concussion protocol during the week. Recovery time will determine your availability for your next appointment.
Shedeur Sanders, even with low numbers in his debut, gains experience in a real game situation. The technical committee will evaluate performance in training before defining the starter.
- Concussion protocol should keep Gabriel out for at least a few days
- Sanders completed just 25% of his passes in his first appearance
- Browns remain without a convincing home win this season
- Myles Garrett led defense with four sacks in the game
