Shedeur Sanders sounds off after beating Raiders in first career start

Here's everything Shedeur Sanders had to say after the Cleveland Browns defeated the Las Vegas Raiders in his first start in the NFL.

Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; CBS Sports reporter Tiffany Blackman (left) interviews Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders snapped the 17-game streak for Cleveland Browns rookie quarterbacks losing their first career start.

Sanders and the Browns dominated the Las Vegas Raiders in a game that was not as close as the 24-10 final score read.

In his first regular season start, Sanders was 11-for-20 for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception. While Cleveland’s defense dominated Raiders quarterback Geno Smith, it was Sanders that was able to escape the desert with a massive victory.

“I’m not gonna lie. I felt very relaxed,” Sanders said. “Half of that comes from preparing, studying and knowing I got God on my side.”

Sanders was forced into action in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens when Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion at halftime. Having never practiced with the starting offense, Sanders was 4-of-16 with an ugly interception. 

He blamed himself after the loss, even though the former Colorado quarterback was put in an incredibly difficult situation. But with a full week of practice with the starters, Sanders brought more juice to Cleveland’s offense than Gabriel was able to. His 52-yard completion to Isaiah Bond in the first quarter was the longest throw by a Browns quarterback all season long.

“I enjoyed it,” Sanders said of his first real NFL action. “A lot of people wanted to see me fail. It ain’t gonna happen.”

“A lot of people want to see me fail. It ain’t gonna happen.” pic.twitter.com/OBxJDTxpRt

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 24, 2025

During his week of preparation, Sanders told reporters that he believed he was the guy to put an end to Cleveland’s ongoing search for a franchise quarterback. Before his first career start, he told CBS that he’s what his teammates and the organization have been looking for.

While his performance was not perfect, it definitely left Browns fans wanting to see more. The polarizing fifth-round pick talks a good game, but he was able to back it up with an elusive victory on Sunday. 

After the game, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski refused to name a starting quarterback moving forward. While Gabriel remains in concussion protocol, he did return to the practice field on Friday. It’s also notable that Deshaun Watson has not been ostracized and was spotted on the sideline with a tablet actively coaching Sanders between drives.

The Browns have three victories. According to reports ahead of Sanders’ first start, he impressed the coaching staff with his dedicated preparation. It certainly feels like he could be rewarded with more opportunities.

“This is the first time I never had stress. I did the work. I did everything I was supposed to do,” Sanders said.