By Sports Savvy Magazine
Cleveland has a new reason to believe. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders stepped into his first NFL start and delivered a poised, efficient performance that helped the Browns secure a dominant 24–3 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders — and a place in franchise history.
Sanders Becomes First Browns Rookie QB to Win First Start Since 1995
Sanders finished the game 11-of-20 for 209 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. While the stat line wasn’t explosive, the moment was historic: he became the first Browns rookie quarterback since 1995 to win his debut start.
Even under consistent pressure, Sanders stayed composed and protected the football — taking only one sack all afternoon.
Dylan Sampson Turns a Screen Into a Game-Breaking TD
Sanders’ first career touchdown pass came on a perfectly executed screen that was taken 66 yards to the house by rookie running back Dylan Sampson. The explosive play broke open the game and pushed Cleveland to a commanding 24–3 lead in the fourth quarter.
With fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins leaving the game due to a third-quarter injury, Sampson carried the load with energy and big-play ability — none bigger than the touchdown that sealed the win.
Judkins Sets the Tone Early With Two First-Quarter Scores
Before his injury, Judkins was the spark plug of the offense. He scored two touchdowns in the first quarter, helping the Browns establish control from the opening whistle.
His second touchdown was set up by one of Sanders’ best throws of the day: a 52-yard strike to Isaiah Bond, who was tripped just before the goal line. The play nearly became Sanders’ first touchdown pass — but Judkins punched it in one snap later.
Browns’ Defense Overwhelms Raiders With 10 Sacks
If Sanders and the rookies set the tone offensively, the Browns’ defense dominated the headlines.
Cleveland recorded 10 sacks, bullying a struggling Raiders offensive line and making quarterback Geno Smith uncomfortable from start to finish.
- Myles Garrett: 3 sacks
- Maliek Collins: 2.5 sacks
- Devin Bush, Cameron Thomas, Isaiah McGuire: 1 each
The unit controlled the trenches, limited explosive plays, and never allowed Las Vegas to find rhythm.
A Solid Debut With Promising Signs Ahead
Sanders wasn’t asked to play hero — he played brilliant, efficient football and let the Browns’ defense and run game lead the way. But he also showed flashes: the deep ball to Bond, the pocket poise, and the confidence to stand tall in key moments.
It wasn’t spectacular. But it was mature, controlled, and historic — the kind of debut that makes coaches excited to see the next step in his development.
Cleveland may have found something special.