CLEVELAND, Ohio — Shedeur Sanders’ first extended NFL action for the Browns provided a clear look at who he is right now as a young quarterback, and what he still needs to become.
The game was fully controlled by the Browns’ defensive front, which had ten sacks, constant pressure, and total command of the line of scrimmage. Sanders was asked to manage the game, avoid major mistakes, and give the offense some energy. His final numbers, which included 11 completions for 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception, do not tell the full story.
On film, the rookie showed poise, decision-making skill, and a calm presence that helped steady the offense at key moments. What stood out immediately was the life Sanders brought to an offense that has struggled to produce explosive plays.
From the opening drive, which was set up by a long punt return from Gage Larvadain, Sanders operated with confidence and purpose. Even as the Browns leaned on the Wildcat and the run game early, he delivered several decisive throws when needed, including a play-action levels concept to Harold Fannin Jr. for a tough 17-yard gain.
His best moment came when he evaded pressure from Tyree Wilson, rolled right, and delivered a 52-yard strike to Isaiah Bond. That play showed his creativity, his ability to extend plays without panicking, and the natural throwing talent that gives him real upside as he continues to develop.
**What Shedeur Sanders did well**
---------------------------------
The film clearly shows that Sanders did several things extremely well. His off-schedule playmaking stood out as he consistently escaped pressure, extended plays, and kept his eyes downfield. His 52-yard strike to Bond was the best example of his natural creativity and confidence when things broke down.
He also made smart, disciplined decisions throughout the game, avoiding unnecessary risks and throwing the ball away in long yardage situations, instead of forcing plays that were not there.
In the quick game, Sanders delivered accurate, timely throws, including a perfectly placed swing pass to Dylan Sampson that turned into a catch-and-run touchdown, along with several well-timed hitches and checkdowns that kept the offense on schedule.
His poise was evident as he understood the Browns needed him to protect the football and manage the game while the defense controlled the day. Most importantly, he brought competitiveness and energy to the offense. Even when he was not perfect, Sanders injected life and confidence that the Browns needed.
Below is a look at Sanders getting the football to Fannin in the flat. He is extremely accurate and throws an easy football to catch.
Below is a look at Sanders' best throw of the day. He buys time to his right and throws a strike to Bond.
**What Sanders** **n****eeds to improve**
-----------------------------------------
Sanders’ areas for improvement also showed up on film, and each one is correctable with time and coaching.
The biggest issue is his pocket mechanics and footwork. He drifts backward instead of climbing, which puts him off balance and leads to flat or inaccurate throws. His interception and several misfires were tied directly to this, as well.
He also needs to improve how he reads underneath defenders. His interception on the stick concept came from misreading the flat defender and failing to adjust after the snap, which is a common rookie challenge but still something that must be cleaned up.
His throwing base is another key area. When his feet are set, he throws with precision and velocity, but when his base narrows or becomes inconsistent, the ball tends to sail.
He also has to develop a better understanding of situational football. The deep shot on third-and-27 was unnecessary and risky, especially in a game being controlled by the defense.
Finally, he must trust the interior pocket more consistently. Too often he turned his back or drifted despite clean protection. Staying tall, staying square, and trusting the structure of the pocket will help him improve timing, rhythm, and accuracy.
Below is a look at the interception from Sanders as he misreads the flat defender coming from the line of scrimmage. Sanders expects him to widen with the swing, but the defender pops out late into the throwing lane and undercuts the route.
The clip below is an example of taking the checkdown as the best option.
**How will the 49ers attack Sanders?**
--------------------------------------
49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will challenge Sanders in his second NFL start by disguising coverages before the snap and rotating late to change the picture after the snap, forcing Sanders to process quickly.
The 49ers’ front creates heavy pressure with four rushers, collapsing the pocket and testing Sanders’ tendency to drift instead of climbing. Saleh will squeeze the quick game with fast linebackers who jump slants and stick routes, flood the intermediate windows to make Sanders hold the ball longer, and take away the middle of the field so he must win outside the numbers.
The 49ers will load the box to create long yardage situations, use constant line movement and twists that close throwing lanes when Sanders hesitates, and incorporate timely simulated pressures that challenge protections and create free runners.
Everything Saleh does is designed to speed up Sanders’ internal clock, disrupt his rhythm and force mistakes, so the Browns will need play action, movement throws, and early-down balance to help Sanders stay confident and in control.
In the clip below, Saleh shows a roll coverage Sanders will most likely see this Sunday.
**What we learned**
-------------------
Sanders showed enough in his first start to at least earn another, but he will need better footwork, stronger pocket trust, and sharper post-snap processing to handle a defense like Saleh’s.
The talent is real, the poise is real, and the energy he brings matters, but the key now is steady improvement as teams study his film and try to exploit what he is still learning to master.
_Lance Reisland is the former coach at Garfield Heights High School, where he spent 18 seasons as an assistant for his father, Chuck, and four as head coach, from 2014 to 2018. In 2018, his team finished 11-1 and appeared in the OHSAA Division II regional semifinals. That team went 10-0 and made history as the first Garfield Heights team in 41 years to have an undefeated regular season along with beating Warren G. Harding for the first playoff win in school history._