Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders wasted no time making his mark in his first NFL preseason action.
He fired two touchdown passes and electrified fans at Bank of America Stadium and on social media who watched his first-half performance against the Carolina Panthers.
For Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer and Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, the moment was especially sweet. After falling to the fifth round in this year’s draft, Sanders seized his starting shot with a poised and precise performance.
The former Jackson State and Colorado quarterback finished the half 11-of-18 passing for 103 yards and those two all-important scores—both to wide receiver Kaden Davis—without a turnover or interception.
The first touchdown, a 7-yard dart threaded between defenders, came courtesy of a Panthers muffed punt that set Cleveland up deep in Carolina territory.
Sanders rolled out and found Davis in the end zone, tying the score at 7-7 and prompting a celebratory post from his proud father on social media: “Yes Lawd! Yes @ShedeurSanders.”
Sanders’ second touchdown showcased his calm under pressure. With the Browns driving late in the half, the rookie dropped back, scanned the field, and fired a 12-yard strike over the middle to Davis, giving Cleveland their first lead of the preseason.
NBA superstar LeBron James joined the chorus of praise, posting, “That young man looking good out there. Keep going UP!!! HEAD down on the grind and HEAD high to the most high.”
The lively Charlotte crowd watched as Sanders moved comfortably in the pocket, scrambled when needed, and consistently made smart decisions. Despite facing Carolina’s starting defense on early drives and showing some rookie jitters on a few throws, he appeared unfazed by the moment, especially considering he hadn’t taken snaps with the starters in camp until this week.
With the Browns contending with quarterback injuries and opting to rest veteran Joe Flacco, Sanders took the reins and delivered. By halftime, he had staked his claim as a rookie to watch, giving Browns fans plenty to cheer about as the preseason unfolds.
