Rookies demonstrate impact on offense and defense
The 2025 rookie class continues to display positive impact across the board, with the Browns' win over the Raiders the latest example of how they affect the game.
"All the rookies are extremely special," Sanders said. "We definitely want to come in and create change, and we have those conversations. We talk about what we got to do and be proactive, not reactive. We got to bring the energy sometimes. Not saying the vets don't, but it's just on the offensive side of the ball, we struggle sometimes, so we need somebody to be that match. We need somebody to be that light. So, I'm thankful that we got all the different types of duos over there, all the different key players on the offensive side of the ball and there's some hungry dogs that are still out there that haven't been a part of the travel squad yet."
Not only did Sanders lead the offense down the field, but Judkins put the Browns on the board with two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter. On both drives the Browns lined up in the wildcat formation, and Judkins took the direct snap to the run the ball in for an 8-yard touchdown and a 2-yard touchdown.
Sampson scored Cleveland's third touchdown of the game on a 66-yard reception from Sanders. Sampson caught a pass from Sanders out of the backfield, followed his blockers and broke through to run down the length of the field and into the end zone. Not only was the touchdown Sanders' first passing touchdown, but it was also Sampson's second receiving touchdown.
The rookies continued to impact the offense, as Sanders connected with Bond on the 52-yard pass late in the first quarter. In the third quarter, Sanders threw a short pass in space to Fannin, which Fannin turned into a 15-yard gain as he fought through tackles to get the first down. Fannin finished the game with four receptions for 40 yards, and his longest catch of the day for 17 yards.
"Harold and IB [Isaiah Bond] on those two plays in particular, those are very trustworthy players," Stefanski said. "Those are guys that you feel confident as a quarterback that they're going to be where they're supposed to be. I thought Harold was outstanding. His run after catch showed up in this game."
Rookie punt returner Gage Larvadain kicked the game off with a key punt return early in the first quarter. Following the Raiders' first offensive possession that stalled, Larvadain fielded the punt. He took off down the field and was tripped P A.J. Cole at the Las Vegas 27-yard line in the first quarter. The penalty allowed the Browns to have their first play of the possession at the 13-yard line.
Defensively, DT Mason Graham and LB Carson Schwesinger made their presence known. Graham recorded five tackles, one tackle for loss and a pass defensed, while Schwesinger led the team with 10 tackles – his third game with double-digit tackles this season.
"(Graham) just continues to develop his rushes, his rush plan," Garrett said. "I think guys are underestimating the rush talent that we have across the line. These guys are continuing to give guys problems. He's going to start turning those pressures and those hits into sacks. We know he will, and I'm looking forward to seeing how he does the rest of the season."