Sports
Shedeur Sanders Shines in Preseason Debut, Throws Two Touchdowns in Browns’ Win Over Panthers
Aug
On Friday night, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders — the Cleveland Browns’ 2025 fifth-round pick and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders — made a statement in his first NFL preseason game. Delivering two touchdown passes, 138 passing yards, and 19 rushing yards, Sanders turned what was already a highly anticipated matchup against the Carolina Panthers into his own personal showcase.
Slow Start, Strong Finish
The game began with a quick three-and-out for Sanders and the Browns’ offense, but the young QB quickly settled in. As the game progressed, his poise, accuracy, and mobility became increasingly evident.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski put Sanders in a variety of situations — taking snaps both under center and from the shotgun — and the rookie responded well, delivering accurate throws on the run and standing tall in the pocket against pressure.
Two Touchdowns That Set the Tone
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Early in the second quarter, capitalizing on a muffed punt by the Panthers, Sanders rolled left and found Kaden Davis for a 7-yard touchdown, threading the ball perfectly through double coverage.
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Late in the first half, Sanders connected with Davis again on a 12-yard strike, low and precise, giving Cleveland firm control of the game.
Sanders later led another scoring drive in the third quarter, capping off a night that left fans and analysts buzzing.
Praise From LeBron James, Uncertain Playing Time Ahead
Sanders’ performance even caught the attention of Cleveland native and NBA superstar LeBron James, who praised the rookie’s debut. Still, with Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel returning from injuries soon, Sanders’ preseason snaps may be limited going forward.
When asked about the quarterback competition, Sanders kept his mindset simple:
“When I get out there, I just do what I have to do. Everything else is out of my hands, so why worry about it? The most you can do is perform when your number is called — and win the game. That’s what we did today.”
A Promising Sign for the Browns’ Future
While it’s only preseason, Shedeur Sanders has shown that he can seize the moment and compete under pressure. His debut is a reminder that the Browns’ quarterback depth chart may be more interesting than anyone expected.
Do you think Shedeur Sanders has what it takes to become the Browns’ future QB? Share your thoughts in the comments below — and if you’re ready to show your Cleveland pride, grab your official Browns jersey here and support the team all season long!
