BEREA, Ohio — For the first time since arriving in Cleveland, Shedeur Sanders isn’t running someone else’s script. He’s running his own.
With a full week of practice reps and a game plan built entirely around him, the rookie quarterback steps into Sunday’s 4:05 p.m. ET matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders with both anticipation and expectation swirling — and a chance to show what he can do when the Browns finally hand him the wheel.
His debut also injects a rare layer of intrigue into an otherwise flat 4 p.m. slate. With Cleveland desperate to snap a 13-game road losing streak — and banking on its defense to set the tone — Sanders’ first real test arrives with no shortage of storylines orbiting him.
Here are several of the most important storylines, as well as my predictions for each.
How will Sanders do with a week full of prep?
Unlike last week when he replaced Dillon Gabriel (concussion) in the second half, Sanders will be executing a game plan that is designed exclusively for him.
For months now, Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has patiently waited and worked at the bottom of the depth chart.
In a 4 p.m. Sunday slate without a ton of intrigue, his debut will be one to watch — and Sanders knows it.
“I think it’s going to be exciting,” Sanders said on Wednesday. “I know a lot of y’all going to be there. I know you can’t miss it. You cannot miss this moment. It’ll be definitely exciting. We’re going out there with a purpose, going out there mentally ready, no distractions, no anything, and I’ll be excited.”
Prediction: I think Browns OC Tommy Rees is going to have a game plan designed to get Sanders comfortable early.
I think there will be the potential for a few “wow” plays that show off his accuracy, but expect quick and easy completions early.
I also expect Sanders to get some looks to his fellow “Hungry Dawgs” guys — young players that Sanders has spent the past seven months practicing with and perfecting his timing with while not getting any first-team reps until this week — including Gage Larvadain, Kaden Davis and Malachi Corley.
Can the Browns D-line dominate?
The one thing firmly in the Browns’ favor in this matchup is their D-line vs. a struggling Raiders O-line.
Geno Smith has been sacked 31 times this season (the fourth-worst mark in the league) for 214 yards.
The Browns, meanwhile, have Myles Garrett playing on another level.
He leads the NFL with 15.0 sacks, and in the Browns’ last three games, has had four- and five-sack outings. Garrett sat out Friday’s practice with an illness, it should be noted, but he doesn’t have a game status so should be good to go.
On top of his production, the Browns have been getting outstanding interior penetration from their D-tackles, namely Maliek Collins and Mason Graham.
Prediction: I predict Garrett will be his usual self in this one, and will take advantage against a struggling O-line.
As long as he plays, I’m predicting at least three sacks for him.
I also predict Graham will get his first solo sack of the season.
Ending a road losing streak where it started
The Browns have been absolutely dreadful on the road, losing 13 in a row in a streak that dates back to last season.
But do you remember exactly when that streak began?
It was in their 20-16 loss to the Raiders last season.
Wouldn’t it be fitting then, to end this particularly annoying streak in the same place it started?
No prediction for this story line, as it takes us directly into my pick.
My pick
The Browns defense can do enough to win them this game.
I think Sanders will also provide enough of an unknown and a spark that will allow Cleveland’s offense to do just enough, particularly with explosive, downfield plays.
I’m going with a weird, low-scoring game, with the Browns winning 12-3.
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