CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Despite what it may have looked like early, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders said he didn’t feel any extra nerves ahead of his professional debut Friday night.
His first pass sailed high, and the Browns’ first three series produced more misses than hits. But a Carolina Panthers turnover led to a well-placed 7-yard touchdown pass from Sanders to Kaden Davis on the first play of the second quarter. Late in the first half, Sanders finished an efficient drive with an even better touchdown toss than his first, again to Davis, this one from 12 yards out.
we’re on the board!#CLEvsCAR on NFLN, @WEWS & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/TXCvXCbGWM
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 8, 2025
In all, Sanders piloted the Browns for 10 series. Three of them ended in touchdowns. The fourth player in the training camp quarterback order was sharp throughout his 45 plays. Neither Sanders nor Browns coach Kevin Stefanski would address what Sanders’ performance might mean for Cleveland’s quarterback order after the game, but both seemed rightfully pleased.
“I felt like me out there,” Sanders said.
He appeared ready for the moment. Sanders made some questionable decisions in the first quarter, but he showed outstanding accuracy on both of his touchdown passes and later on a 30-yard flick to Luke Floriea, who tracked the floating pass and made a one-handed catch along the Carolina sideline to extend what became Sanders’ second touchdown drive.
the one-hander from @luke_floriea2!#CLEvsCAR on NFLN, @WEWS & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/BWKa4N2Zie
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 9, 2025
Sanders finished 14-of-23 for 138 yards and two touchdowns in what could be termed an emergency detour from the Browns’ still-evolving quarterback plans. Joe Flacco remains the favorite to win the starting job for the season opener. With most starters sitting out the preseason opener and Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel dealing with hamstring injuries, Stefanski turned to Sanders as the starter and primary option Friday night.
The injury situation led the Browns to sign Tyler Huntley on Tuesday, just a few hours before they flew to Charlotte for a Wednesday joint practice and Friday’s game. Sanders is the only one of the four quarterbacks who has been with the team since the spring who hasn’t played at least some with the No. 1 offense in camp. On Friday night, he got his most extended work yet with different combinations of players who are mostly viewed as second- and third-teamers on the Browns’ early depth chart.
“I would say I’m comfortable with being uncomfortable, so that’s what it is,” Sanders said. “I got pockets of finding my rhythm, and I’ve got to get into that quicker, regardless of anything.
“Two ways you could look at it. You could look at it and be thankful and take full advantage of the opportunity. Or you could look at it like, ‘Dang, guess what I’ve been asking for (and) I’m not prepared.’ So I would say I’ve been able to sleep good at night knowing I was playing. I didn’t know I was playing until (just a few days ago), then I just prepared (for) it as normal.”
Sanders said he didn’t feel he “played up to par” despite his two touchdown passes. But he said he felt good about the offensive operation and knew he’d have a shot at a special play when he escaped the rush and saw Floriea down the sideline late in the second quarter.
“I saw Shedeur scramble, so I decided to run to the open spot,” Floriea said. “He threw me a real nice ball, layered it right over the top. I just had to make a play.”
Sanders had two misses, one in each half, where he eluded pressure and had an open receiver but appeared to rush his throws. The Browns failed on fourth down on their second series when Sanders retreated against the rush on fourth-and-1 and ended up throwing the ball away.
Stefanski said he was “pleased with Shedeur, pleased with the offense,” but he stressed that the Browns have many things to clean up. Multiple times, Stefanski deflected or talked around questions about whether Sanders’ performance would affect the team’s thinking or division of reps in the ongoing quarterback competition.
Nobody’s ready to commit to anything, and Sanders repeated that he was “thankful” — but not necessarily overjoyed with his performance.
“I feel like to get where I want to go, I don’t think that was good enough (tonight),” Sanders said.
Certainly, it was impressive. And it was enough to at least make the Browns think Sanders is trending in a positive direction with two weeks left in the preseason.
(Photo: David Jensen / Getty Images)
