Quarterback Shedeur Sanders sent ripples through the NFL after his first complete start for the Cleveland Browns. Sanders led Cleveland to a November 23, 2025, win over the Las Vegas Raiders, displaying poise and intelligent decision-making, which left even Hall of Famer Joe Thomas impressed. For a fifth-round pick still getting accustomed to a pro system, Sanders’ outing signaled a considerable step forward for the Browns’ offense. Additionally, his development is crucial as the Browns prepare for a pivotal home matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Thomas said, “You saw huge progress all across the board, specifically in some of those areas that he needed to make huge improvements on. When the defense is backing up because they’re worried you’ll throw it over their heads, it opens up the easy things underneath.”
Joe Thomas joined the BIGPLAY Cleveland Show to discuss what he saw in Shedeur Sanders’ first start for the Browns.
"You saw huge progress all across the board, specifically in some of those areas that he needed to make huge improvements on."
It’s never a bad thing when you… pic.twitter.com/hPurAv5kJ4
— The Dawgs – A Cleveland Browns Podcast (@thedawgspodcast) November 27, 2025
Joe Thomas Notices Shedeur Sanders’ Rapid Improvement, Poise
Shedeur Sanders
Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) reacts at the end of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
On the BIGPLAY Cleveland Show, Joe Thomas mentioned on November 23, 2025, that Sanders is adapting to NFL defenses more quickly than projected. He pointed out that no rookie is going to be complete, but Sanders already has corrected several of the habits that have made rookies start slowly in their first season. Sanders was 11 of 20 for 209 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Raiders. Thomas explained that the fewer mistakes Sanders makes, the better he will remain composed.
Even first-round quarterbacks often take a long time to become a pro at reading NFL defenses. Sanders shows early mastery of pocket awareness, avoiding the drift and aimless movement that plagued him in college. Thomas believes this growth enables the offense to operate smoothly and provide receivers with better timing, while also reducing risky plays.
Also, Sanders’ swagger has got rivals watching closely. Back on November 27, 2025, Niners DC Robert Saleh tipped his cap to how fast he moves, how hard he throws, and his control at the line. He went on to say defenders can’t ignore those bombs downfield – this stretches things out shorter, just like Thomas pointed out. Sanders’ combination of skill and confidence is something that forces defenses to adjust, even in the initial stages of his NFL career.
In just six quarters of NFL experience, Sanders has demonstrated an ability to handle pressure and get better fast. For the Browns coaching staff, fans, and league observers, he’s a quarterback who could lift Cleveland’s offense.
As the Week 13 date with the 49ers looms, all eyes rest on Sanders and how much further improvement he can make in his second start.