Shedeur Sanders Sends Savage Message to Critics After Cleveland Browns Starting Debut
The wait is finally over, and Shedeur Sanders has officially arrived in the NFL. Following his debut as the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback, a 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Sanders sent his message loud and clear to critics. Although Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski may not be ready to name Sanders the starter over fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, it's clear that the team's fanbase wants more of the signal-caller who led the way in Sunday's Week 12 victory.
While Sanders was far from perfect, which is to be expected from a rookie quarterback, he brought something to the Browns offense that hasn't been seen in a long time—confidence. His postgame comments echoed the poise and belief Sanders put on display while under center, and it's what the Browns badly need at this moment.
Shedeur Sanders' final stat line in the Browns' win over the Raiders:
- 11-of-20 passes completed
- 209 passing yards
- 1 touchdown pass (66-yard pass to Dylan Sampson)
- 1 interception
'Ain't Gonna Happen:' Breaking Down Shedeur’s Message to Haters
During Sanders' time with the media following Cleveland's victory Sunday, he spoke about the fact that the only thing that matters is how he plays. He highlighted that "nobody cares" whether a quarterback gets one week of preparation for their first start, but then sent a pointed message to the many critics, as ESPN detailed.
"A lot of people want to see me fail," Sanders said. "It ain't gonna happen."
Shedeur Sanders DROPPING BARS after his first NFL start ????
— ESPN (@espn) November 24, 2025
"A lot of people want to see me fail ... It ain't gonna happen." pic.twitter.com/2rFPm4Fi1G
Although it's only one game for the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback, he displayed the type of upside fans witnessed throughout his collegiate career, starting at Jackson State. Considering fellow rookie and former Browns starting quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, averaged 170 passing yards per game through his five full starts (not including Week 11 when he left injured), it's hard not to buy stock in Sanders at this point.
How Shedeur Sanders Sparked the Cleveland Browns' Offense
SHEDEUR SANDERS GOES DEEP FOR 53 YARDS.
— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2025
CLEvsLV on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/dVqZbz0ESf
Sanders' upside and pure potential were put on full display late in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Raiders. As seen above in a clip posted by the NFL, Sanders threw a perfect 53-yard strike while rolling right to avoid pressure without having time to get his feet set.
That one play alone showed NFL and Browns fans alike what Sanders brings to the table that other signal-callers the franchise rolled out ahead of him don't. He's athletic enough to move the pocket while avoiding pressure and can make big plays at any moment, even while facing a heavy pass-rush.
That toss alone from Sanders drew strong comments on social media, but no single reaction was as significant as the one from Browns star Myles Garrett, who was joyfully stunned by the rookie's throw.
Throw was so good Myles Garrett couldn’t believe it pic.twitter.com/4xk8aAhAGR
— BetMGM ???? (@BetMGM) November 23, 2025
While many Browns fans joked that the franchise hasn't seen a quarterback throw a pass that far all season, it may actually be close to a true statement. Regardless, Sanders' ability to open up the field should make life easier for the entire offense, and it'd be a shock if Stefanski chooses to go back to Gabriel at this point.
Related: Raiders' Early-Round Rookie 'So Bad' Coaches Decided It Was 'Disrespectful' to Start Him