Shedeur Sanders Earns Nickname From NFL After Browns Game
Shedeur Sanders’ big moment finally came on Sunday as the rookie quarterback made his first career start for the Cleveland Browns. It was a long time coming, and the 23-year-old made sure to take advantage by helping lead the Browns to a 24-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Sanders, who got the nod to start after fellow rookie QB Dillon Gabriel was placed under the concussion protocol, completed 11-of-20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The former Colorado Buffaloes star also grabbed attention with his 52-yard dime to Isaiah Bond, as Sanders showed off his deep-ball power.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on during warm up.Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Gabriel officially cleared the concussion protocol after being forced to sit out one game. However, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski already announced that Sanders will get the start again for Cleveland’s next game. This comes in the form of a Week 13 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
This development prompted a post from the NFL dedicated to the Browns’ new QB1 — at least for now. Sanders earned himself a nickname from the league as he prepares for his second career start.
“Showtime Shedeur ⌚” the NFL posted, sharing Sanders’ highlights from the Raiders game.
Sanders will get another chance to prove his worth on Sunday. He did well enough to earn himself a second consecutive start, and it appears that the QB1 role is now within grasp for the fifth-round pick.
The Browns have nothing more to play for this season. Despite their win over the Raiders, Cleveland is 3-8 and is 13th in the AFC. Mathematically speaking, the Browns have not been eliminated from playoff contention, but they currently have less than 1% chance of making the postseason.
This should work in Sanders’ favor as Cleveland leans towards player development. Depending on how he performs against the Niners on Sunday, Sanders could potentially make his case as the team’s starting quarterback the rest of the way.
Maxx Crosby: ‘It’s About Performance—We’re Coming for Greatness’ After Chip Kelly Firing
In the wake of the Las Vegas Raiders' decision to fire offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, star defensive lineman Maxx Crosby wasted no time making his thoughts known. While Kelly’s departure was a difficult decision for the franchise, Crosby made it clear that the Raiders’ focus remains on one thing: performance. “At the end of the day, it’s about performance and what you bring to the table. We have to rise above and keep pushing. I respect Chip, but it’s time for this team to take control of our future. We’re not backing down, we’re coming for greatness,” Crosby said, addressing the media after the team’s latest loss.
Crosby’s statement wasn’t just a response to the firing; it was a declaration of the team’s resolve. The Raiders, sitting at 2-9, have faced a season filled with frustration and unmet expectations. Despite the talent on the roster, the team has struggled to find consistency, particularly on offense. The decision to part ways with Kelly, who was brought in as the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the league, has sent shockwaves through the locker room and the fanbase. But for Crosby, it’s a moment to regroup and focus on what truly matters—performance.
“We’ve got to rise above the noise, the frustration, and the distractions,” Crosby continued. “This team is better than what we’ve shown. It’s time for us to step up and take control. No more excuses. We’ve got the talent, but we need to perform—each and every one of us.”
Crosby’s leadership has been a steadying force in a season marked by inconsistency and turmoil. As a veteran, his ability to stay focused on the long-term goal, despite the immediate setbacks, is invaluable. He knows that it’s not just about one individual or one coach—it’s about the collective effort of the team to execute at a high level and to fight for every win.
For Crosby, the future is still very much in their hands. “We’re not backing down,” he said confidently. “We’ve got a lot of football left to play, and we’re going to make the most of every opportunity. Raider Nation deserves better, and we’re going to do everything we can to turn this thing around.”
The road to redemption won’t be easy for the Raiders, but Crosby’s words reflect the mentality they’ll need to adopt moving forward. The team must come together, rally around each other, and focus on executing consistently. The talent is there, but it’s time for the Raiders to step up and show it. For Crosby, the goal is clear: greatness.
With the firing of Chip Kelly, the Raiders now enter a new chapter. The players know that changes are necessary for improvement, but the ultimate test will come on the field. Can they respond to adversity, take control of their destiny, and start living up to the expectations that have surrounded this team for so long?
Maxx Crosby’s message is a wake-up call to both the team and their fans: the Raiders are not done yet, and with the right mindset, they can still achieve greatness.
