Shedeur Sanders dazzles in defeat, earns Rookie of the Week honors despite Browns’ loss to Titans
After a standout performance against the Tennessee Titans, Shedeur Sanders has officially been named the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns for the remainder of the season. Despite his impressive stat line of 393 total yards and four touchdowns, the Browns still managed to lose their Week 14 matchup. However, that setback did not overshadow Sanders’ individual achievement, as he was honored with the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week award.
A Rising Star Amidst Adversity
Sanders was one of six nominees for the weekly accolade, alongside fellow rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. In his third consecutive start, Sanders showcased his resilience, throwing three touchdown passes while trying to rally the Browns from a 14-point deficit against the league’s struggling Titans. Additionally, he led the team in rushing, contributing a touchdown on the ground as well.
Remarkably, the Browns had not provided Sanders with any practice reps with the first team until just before his initial start against the Las Vegas Raiders. Yet, he has quickly adapted, outperforming Dillon Gabriel, the third-round draft pick chosen 50 slots ahead of him. Gabriel had previously been nominated for the NFL Rookie of the Week award after a strong performance against the New York Jets, where he threw for 167 yards and two touchdowns, although it ultimately resulted in a loss. That week, the award went to New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough.
An Opportunity for Growth
As the Browns look ahead, they are hopeful that Sanders can continue to accumulate accolades, using this period as an audition for a long-term role in the franchise’s future, particularly as they prepare for the 2026 season. The pressure now shifts to head coach Kevin Stefanski, who must balance the development of Sanders with the need to secure wins in what is shaping up to be a critical juncture for the team.
Sanders’ recent performance has already placed him in the Browns’ history books. His 364 passing yards rank as the third-most by a quarterback in franchise history, while his three touchdown passes tie for second on that list. Additionally, he has become the first Browns player to throw for over 300 yards, with at least three touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown in a single game.
Looking Ahead
Throughout his four appearances, Sanders has thrown three interceptions and faced eight sacks, indicating areas for improvement as he continues to learn and grow. The Browns coaching staff is focused on helping him release the ball more quickly and process the field with greater accuracy. Nevertheless, his performance against the Titans has firmly established him as a quarterback with remarkable talent and accuracy, compelling the entire league to take notice as he celebrates his first NFL award.
