By Evan MasseyShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Cleveland Browns are set to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12 NFL action. Playing the Raiders on the road is not an easy task, but it sets up a much better matchup for rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders to make his first career start than he had last week in the second half of the game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Sanders, who will be making his first start following Dillon Gabriel's concussion, is looking to prove that he can be an NFL starter.
Last week against the Ravens, Sanders played poorly. He completed four of his 16 pass attempts for 47 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. Sanders was also sacked twice in the game.
Read more: Travis Kelce Sends Bold Message to Shedeur Sanders Ahead of First Start
It was a forgettable performance for the rookie signal caller. Now, he'll have a chance to forever put that game out of his head with a big-time performance against the Raiders in his starting debut.
...Ahead of this week's game, there have been questions about how the Browns view Sanders. Some don't think that Cleveland wants him to succeed. However, it sounds like they're liking one aspect of his preparation to be this week's starter.
According to NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Sanders has had a calm about him that has been noticeable.
"He took all the first-team reps on the field with Cleveland’s starters for the first time this week, and people inside the Browns building say there’s been a calm about Sanders that sticks out," Russini wrote. "Coaches and teammates have watched him roam the halls with his iPad under his arm, bouncing from meeting to meeting, stopping for extra one-on-one sessions with coach Kevin Stefanski. For a third-day pick who barely took reps earlier in the season, Sanders is, as one Browns player described it, “treating this start like a final exam he can’t fail.”
At least for now, it sounds like Sanders is laser-focused on the task ahead. He knows that in order to get more opportunities throughout the rest of the season, he needs to make a statement with his game against the Raiders.
Following his shocking slide to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders has been fighting an uphill battle to get on the field. There is no denying the talent and potential that made many project him to be a first or second round pick in the draft.
Read more: Packers’ Matt LaFleur’s Words About Justin Jefferson Say It All
Hopefully, he's able to showcase that talent this week against Las Vegas.
If he can come through with a strong performance and lead the Browns to a win over the Raiders, he might just force head coach Kevin Stefanski and the rest of the coaching staff to consider keeping him on the field.
For more on the Cleveland Browns and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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