Cleveland Browns Address Starting QB Decision After Shedeur Sanders Wins Debut
The Cleveland Browns did not give a straight answer on whether Shedeur Sanders will start next week after leading the team to victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in his debut.
Sanders became the first Browns rookie to win his debut since 1995. He executed what he needed to do in the victory and had a handful of dynamic plays. Sanders finished with 209 yards on 11-of-20 passing with a touchdown and an interception.
His biggest throw of the day came in the first quarter. After scrambling away from pressure, Sanders found Isaiah Bond downfield on a 52-yard pass. Sanders’ touchdown pass came on a quick throw to Dylan Sampson, who caught the ball and accelerated for 66 yards for a touchdown.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski did not commit to Sanders after the win.
“I’m proud of him. Proud of this offense. A ton of things to learn from, but I’m just going to worry about today,” Stefanski said.
Stefanski had said previously that the job would be Gabriel’s once he returned from the concussion. But the team will have to reconsider after Sanders’ starting debut.
Gabriel did little to establish himself as the unquestioned starter. He went 1-5 in his starts, passing for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Wanted to Make Statement
Sanders became the 42nd starting quarterback for the Browns since 1999. Ahead of his debut, Sanders said he didn’t want to just be serviceable. He wanted to send a message that he could be “the guy” moving forward for Cleveland.
“I know our fans have a lot of expectations and hope, and I would be doing a disservice to myself and disservice to the organization if I didn’t feel like I am the guy,” Sanders said. “I’m doing everything I need to prepare to be the best version of myself as possible. With the circumstances, everything got me sped up, and that’s great – you know, I like pressure in life. I’m just excited for everything. So, I feel like I’m the guy, I know I’m the guy, but you just have to be able to see. The game got to speak.”
He doubled down on that message just ahead of the Week 12 matchup in his pre-game interview.
“I’m who they been looking for,” Sanders told CBS.
Shedeur Sanders Thankful for Opportunity With Browns
Many don’t see it as a tough decision for the Browns. While not perfect, Sanders led the offense with confidence and poise. The rookie was thankful for the opportunity after picking up the win.
“God is the only way I made it through it. The last six or seven months have been extremely hard,” said Sanders, who slipped from a projected first-round pick to the fifth round in the draft. “Before going into the game, I didn’t feel nervous. I didn’t feel anything. I did as much work as I could during the week to make Sunday fun. I love how the offense line embraced me and understood I’m only about business. I’m thankful I was able to get a win for the Browns.”
So does Sanders think he should remain the starter?
“I think I showed a couple of great pieces. A few things I wish I could get back. A win is crazy. And off just one week of practice,” Sanders said. “Imagine what a full offseason looks like. It gets dangerous.”
Sanders and the Browns face a stiffer test next week as they host the San Francisco 49ers.
Marcus Mariota is Much More Than a Backup Quarterback
Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota is sending a clear and powerful message to his Washington Commanders teammates— be yourself, lean into your strengths, and embrace the journey together.
That confidence comes from his role not just as a backup, but as a mentor, a leader and a calming presence in a changing locker room.
Finding Freedom and Confidence in Washington
Since arriving in Washington, Mariota has felt a renewed sense of freedom and belief from the coaching staff. He has developed a level of trust that has allowed him to relax, play without pressure and genuinely enjoy the game again.
This comfort has been especially valuable given his role backing up Jayden Daniels and stepping in during critical moments. Mariota’s ability to stay ready and supportive — rather than forced into a different mold — has become one of his most important contributions.
Take late last season, for example. After a comeback win, Mariota didn’t hold back on praising Daniels, saying “the sky’s the limit for him”.
“I think the sky is the limit for him.”
Marcus Mariota has high praise for teammate Jayden Daniels 🙌 @Kristina_Pink pic.twitter.com/9ZsNCTQya5 — NFL on FOX Presents: Rearview (@FOXNFLRearview) January 5, 2025
Role as a Mentor to Jayden Daniels
One of Mariota’s biggest impacts has been his mentorship of the young Daniels. He has praised Daniels’ work ethic, poise under pressure, and maturity, telling the media that Daniels “has a good head on his shoulders” and is willing to learn.
Mariota also warned Daniels against trying to be perfect, stressing that mistakes are part of growth: “You’re going to fail, you’re going to have mistakes … you have to learn from those things.” That piece of advice resonates with Mariota’s own journey through the NFL— a journey full of ups and downs.
Daniels himself has acknowledged Mariota’s influence. After a game-winning drive, fans heard Mariota’s supportive pep talk over the mic:
“Stand up, catch your air, get your wind … use your God-given abilities … let’s go win this game.” Daniels said that leadership “just breathes confidence … Marcus has been like that since day one.”
"Stand up, catch your air, get your wind and go out there and execute. Use your God-given abilities and let's go win this game."
Love this moment between Mariota and Jayden.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/gvWctiq8Qn — Tae & Todd Commanders Podcast (@TaeNToddPodcast) December 30, 2024
A Voice of Experience and Stability
Mariota’s veteran presence is more than symbolic. When Daniels went down with a rib injury in October last season, Mariota stepped in and led Washington to a dominant 40-7 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
That performance reinforced just how valuable his experience is— not just in terms of plays, but in guiding the team and maintaining composure for the rest of their important clashes, as found on DraftKings’ NFL page.
Commanders assistant general manager Lance Newmark praised him too: “Backup quarterback is a very important position … Marcus was a great teammate.” These comments show that Mariota’s role goes far beyond just stepping in when needed— he is a pillar in the quarterback room.
Returning to No. 8 — A Symbol of Roots
In a recent move loaded with meaning, Mariota reclaimed the jersey number 8, which he famously wore during his college days at Oregon and earlier in his NFL career. He described the return as “very meaningful,” and said the team respected the number’s importance to him.
For Mariota, wearing No. 8 again isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s a reminder of where he came from, the legacy he’s built and the journey he’s still on.
Marcus Mariota says he didn't even have to ask the #Commanders to change his number from 18 to 8, a number he says is very meaningful to him. The jersey was hanging in his locker before practice. Also gives a tip of the cap to Brob who wore 8 that past few seasons @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/XWC0eo0NiB
— John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) August 28, 2025
Facing Struggles Together — A Message to the Locker Room
Washington’s 2025 season has tested the team. Following a stretch of losses, Mariota addressed both fans and teammates with a message of unity and resilience. After another rough outing, he said:
“Continue to believe in this team … I believe in these guys … there’s fight in this dog … we’re going to get this right.”
His words reflect a maturity that comes from experience — he does not shy away from the hard parts, but he also refuses to let setbacks define the team.
Impact Beyond the Field
Mariota’s influence extends beyond football. He recently appeared in a motivational video for his alma mater, the Oregon Ducks, delivering lines like: “Belief is louder than doubt.” That message resonated deeply with fans and players, reinforcing his role not just as an athlete but as a leader and inspiration.
Why the Message Matters
Mariota’s “crystal-clear” message — be yourself, embrace your role, stay present — is resonating because it’s genuine. He isn’t here just to play; he’s here to support, to mentor, to connect. For a young Commanders team, that steady influence matters.
In a league where the spotlight often falls on the star player, Mariota’s impact comes in the quieter moments: coaching Daniels, stepping in when needed, and guiding a room through ups and downs. That leadership might not always show up in the box score, but it can change the trajectory of a season.
Marcus Mariota isn’t just backing up Jayden Daniels — he’s helping leadership and culture take shape in Washington. His message to teammates is clear: trust yourself, trust each other, and trust the process. In doing that, he’s making an impact that goes well beyond his role as a QB.
