Deion Sanders set the tone early when he spoke about his son’s mindset heading into Sunday. On November 21, 2025, Coach Prime praised how quickly Shedeur shifted from a tough debut to preparation mode. He liked that Shedeur didn’t dwell on the Baltimore loss, didn’t sulk, and immediately focused on tightening every detail. With his first official NFL start now confirmed, the urgency builds on every side.
PerTalksSport Deion stated, “I think he’s going to do well,” He further added”That has a lot of dependency on plays and structure in offense, in timing, and all that. There is a lot of stuff involved; it’s not just him and not what he brings to the table. There is a lot going on offense. I pray to God they get it right,” signaling a full bounce-back effort before Shedeur’s first NFL start.
Shedeur steps in for Cleveland this Sunday in Las Vegas, and Maxx Crosby has already made his expectations for the rookie very public.
Deion Sanders and Max Crosby Collide As the Raiders Plan to Punish the Rookie QB
Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) and head coach Deion Sanders and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and social media producer Deion Sanders Jr. following the win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) and head coach Deion Sanders and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and social media producer Deion Sanders Jr. following the win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Shedeur’s first appearance came without warning. Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion midgame, forcing the rookie into action against a Ravens defense that already had rhythm. He finished four of sixteen for 47 yards with one interception. His passer rating landed at 13.5, and the performance clashed with the Browns’ original plan to treat 2025 as a redshirt season. Even so, Deion told reporters that Shedeur handled the disappointment like a pro. Their late-night conversation centered on corrections, timing, and mentally preparing for the next opportunity.
Meanwhile, Maxx Crosby is treating Sunday as a job he intends to finish. Many outlets noted that Crosby respects the Sanders family and once viewed Shedeur as a possible Raiders draft target. However, every bit of that history vanishes at kickoff. Crosby said the Raiders’ defense must shut down Cleveland’s offense early, and he believes that starts with rattling the rookie. He is already deep into film study, planning to collapse the pocket, test Shedeur’s processing speed, and force Cleveland into uncomfortable downs.
PerMARCA Crosby said, “Regardless, we have a job to get done, and we have to make his life miserable,”
Meanwhile, Crosby’s preparation stands in sharp contrast to Deion’s faith in a rebound. Raiders star has followed Shedeur’s rise for years and even called him his “little brother” during the draft cycle. But once the Browns named him the Week 12 starter, Crosby shifted into attack mode. He said the Raiders cannot allow Shedeur to settle in or gain rhythm. Also, he plans to crowd the pocket, erase his timing windows, and force Cleveland into predictable downs. For Crosby, stopping the rookie means dictating the game before Shedeur’s bounce-back can even begin.
Now Sunday becomes the intersection of belief, pressure, and expectation. Shedeur wants to erase the Baltimore tape. Deion trusts the rebound. Crosby plans to attack from the opening snap. And every storyline now funnels into a single night inside Allegiant Stadium.