By James BrizuelaShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberCleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders stepped into his first NFL start, and he came away with a big win. Through four quarters, he mostly played mistake-free football, helping propel the team to a 3-8 record. Following the win, the rookie signal caller sent a pointed message to his doubters.
Read more: How Did Shedeur Sanders Do in First Browns Start?
Pundits, fans, and more have been calling for Sanders to get a shot at starting, but the Browns kept fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel behind center for six games. Gabriel suffered a concussion in Week 11, leading to Sanders finally getting his first NFL start.
Sanders showcased some elite skills, especially in a bomb downfield for 53 yards to Isaiah Bond. The rookie ended his day with 11-for-20 attempts, 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
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Despite playing against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sanders put together an impressive performance that led to a dominant 24-10 final score. Granted, the nine sacks the Browns got against Geno Smith also helped a great deal.
...More news: Chiefs’ Travis Kelce Brings Back Hilarious Patrick Mahomes Impression After Colts Win
That said, Sanders took the podium following his first career start and win, offering a pointed message to his doubters.
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"A lot of people want to see me fail. It ain't gonna happen," Sanders said with confidence.
There are a lot of people who have had many things to say about Sanders, but he now has a win in his first career start. Not only that, but his final stat line and performance were certainly not terrible by any stretch of the imagination.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski will now have a big decision to make. Should Gabriel clear concussion protocol, will he make the big change?
Gabriel has only won one game in his six starts. The Browns' offense clearly needs some help, but Sanders was able to inject some much-needed confidence in the group to walk away with a big win.
The Browns take on the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13, and it is anyone's guess who will be behind center for that game. Stefanski has not been the most consistent with his comments on Sanders, so Gabriel might be back if he is healthy to play.
For more on the Browns, head to Newsweek Sports.
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