By Brandon Gesicki | Last Word on Sports – NFL
November 22, 2025
In Cleveland, the Shedeur Sanders era is officially underway.
Following a cold but spirited debut in relief last week, the rookie quarterback will make his first NFL start this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. With Dillon Gabriel sidelined due to a concussion, Sanders inherits the keys to the Browns offense—a role filled with pressure, potential, and plenty of attention.
Now, somehow, someway, this could be the start of something bigger.
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Nov 16, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) drops back to pass during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
From 4th-String to Center Stage
The setting couldn’t be more poetic.
A 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday slot. National attention. Las Vegas.
Here’s a quarterback who began the season buried on the depth chart. Now he’s stepping onto one of the NFL’s brightest stages—just as the spotlight is ready to follow him.
Sanders’ performance last week wasn’t stellar. Coming in cold against a fierce Ravens defense, he struggled to find rhythm. Statistically, it was a rough outing: a low completion rate, one interception, and a passer rating that left much to be desired. Nevertheless, the film showed glimpses of real promise.
He flashed impressive arm strength, kept his composure under pressure, and nearly led a game-tying drive in the fourth quarter. His best throw? A deep ball to Gage Larvadain that was perfectly placed in the end zone but ultimately broken up at the last second.
That same play also exposed a critical learning moment. Sanders missed a wide-open Jerry Jeudy underneath—his top receiver with space to move and a sure first down. Rather than taking the easy yards, the rookie hunted for the hero shot. That’s a decision the Browns coaching staff expects him to learn from, especially with a full week of first-team reps under his belt.
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Main Photo: Jeff Lange-USA TODAY NETWORK
A Fanbase of “Shedeurians” and Prime Time Dreamers
Sanders doesn’t enter this game alone. He brings a passionate following—a nationwide fanbase built during his time in Colorado and now swelling in NFL circles.
There’s no official title, but several nicknames are floating around:
“Prime Time Fans,” echoing his father Deion Sanders’ iconic moniker
“The Shedeur Squad,” popular among younger fans
And most recently: “The Shedeurians,” a growing movement hoping the rookie QB can deliver a dose of “Prime” greatness to the Dawg Pound
While the game is technically a Raiders home contest, don’t be surprised if the atmosphere feels more neutral—or even tilted toward Sanders. Browns fans travel well, and Sanders supporters from Colorado and beyond are expected to show up in full force.
Despite both teams entering at 2–8, this matchup could end up as one of the highest-rated games ever between two losing teams—all because of the intrigue surrounding Shedeur.
Pressure Meets Potential: What the Browns Need
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Oct 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) and cornerback Dom Jones (37) laugh before the game between the Browns and the Miami Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Let’s be clear: Cleveland isn’t asking Sanders to be Superman.
Not yet.
The Browns have cycled through too many failed saviors at quarterback. What they need now is a poised field general—someone who can move the chains, make smart throws, avoid mistakes, and occasionally take the deep shot when it’s there.
As former NFL QB Chase Daniel explained in his film review:
“The most important thing is… the issues are easily fixed. There’s no physical limitation here. He’s just got to trust what he sees and let it rip.”
Ultimately, Cleveland doesn’t need fireworks.
They need rhythm.
They need results.
They need one thing: a win.
Stefanski: “We Trust Him”
Head coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear this week that the staff believes in Sanders:
“Shedeur is putting in great work. You know, on the field, in the meeting room — he will be better with the reps he’s getting. Like any player would. But we trust him, and he’s somebody that’s continued to put in the work and will continue to do so.”
While General Manager Andrew Berry and Stefanski have stood behind Gabriel throughout the season, this week marks a notable shift. They’re not just plugging in a body—they’re giving Sanders a genuine opportunity.
A Cleveland Fairy Tale in the Making?
There’s something inherently magnetic about Sanders.
He’s confident. Charismatic. Media-savvy. And he carries himself like a player made for moments just like this.
His rise from 4th-string to starter is already an unlikely story. But what if it becomes more?
What if this fifth-round pick, written off by most draft experts, is actually the Browns’ answer?
What if he becomes Cleveland’s version of Tom Brady—a late-round selection who seizes his moment and never gives the job back?
Yes, it’s improbable.
Then again, this is Cleveland. And improbable is kind of our thing.
One Final Thought: Just Win, Shedeur
The stage is ready.
The lights are bright.
And the city—and the Shedeurians—are watching.
The Browns face the Raiders this Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS.
Streaming is also available on Paramount Plus.
Sunday is more than just a start.
It’s an audition.
It’s a chance for Shedeur Sanders to make Browns fans believe again.
Shedeur’s mantra has always been to be “legendary.”
But for now?
Browns fans will gladly settle for “Just Win, Baby.”
We can do legendary later.
Main Photo: [Ken Blaze] – Imagn Images