Shedeur Sanders Takes Center Stage in Browns’ Preseason Win Over Panthers

The Cleveland Browns rolled with six quarterbacks on the roster, but all eyes were on rookie Shedeur Sanders Friday night.

The fifth-round pick showed why he earned the spotlight, leading the Browns to a 30-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. Sanders threw two touchdowns, completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, and added 19 rushing yards.

“I wasn’t nervous or full of adrenaline,” Sanders said. “It was just about getting comfortable. I knew the answers to the test. Did I play up to par? No. But the main goal was to win and that’s what we did.”

With injuries sidelining Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett, and Joe Flacco sitting out, Sanders and recent addition Tyler Huntley were the only quarterbacks expected to see action. Deshaun Watson remains on the physically unable to perform list with a torn Achilles.

Sanders started the game against a defense loaded with Panthers starters. His first drive ended in a three-and-out, but then he found his rhythm. He showed poise, accurate throws, and the ability to scramble.

Critics will note his arm strength dipped at times and that he held the ball too long, but Sanders demonstrated a fierce competitive edge throughout.

Coach Kevin Stefanski mixed things up, having Sanders play under center and from the shotgun. Sanders stood tall in the pocket and found success both passing and running.

After missing a third-down throw, Sanders and the Browns got a big break when the Panthers muffed a punt. Sanders made them pay immediately. Rolling left, he threw a perfect 7-yard touchdown pass to Kaden Davis over double coverage to open the second quarter.

Sanders found Davis again on a low, precise 12-yard touchdown pass before halftime.

He capped the night by leading a third touchdown drive in the third quarter.

Even Cleveland native and NBA legend LeBron James gave Sanders praise after the game.

With Pickett and Gabriel expected to return soon, Sanders might see less preseason action moving forward. Stefanski declined to dive into the quarterback depth chart battle after the game, but Sanders definitely boosted his stock.

“I just think about when I get out there doing what I have to do,” Sanders said. “Everything else is out of my hands. When your number is called, you have to perform and help the team win. That’s what we did today, and I know there’s room for me to grow.”

In his preseason debut, Sanders looked every bit the pro quarterback the Browns hope he can become.