by Shedeur Sanders was placed into a situation today that was almost polarizing, against a terrible defense in New Orleans and if he didn’t excel, his many detractors would feast on the results. For the first 3 quarters, it looked as those the “haters” would have a reason to jeer, until Sanders began to shine in the moments that matter the most. Despite the 23-22 loss, there is no chance anyone can pin this loss on Sanders who did everything possible when he absolutely had too.
He finished the day 19 of 31 for 297 yards with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. The problem was, he took 5 sacks and that continues to be an issue with holding the ball too long and also a shaky offensive line. The sacks hurt the Browns a few times, at the end of the fourth when they needed a few first downs to salt away the clock and instead a massive sack moved them back to punting from the shadow of their own endzone. This set up a short field for the Saints to score what could have been the game winning score in the fourth quarters final moments.
Despite the sacks, when the Browns needed Sanders to perform and lead them back from the brink, he did every single time.
Down 9-6 midway through the fourth quarter, Sanders thew an absolute dime to the speedy KC Concepion for a 64-yard touchdown strike. This handed the rookie wideout his first touchdown all year and put the Browns ahead with 5:21 to play.
After the Browns defense let them down and allowed ex Brown Audric Estime to score the possible game winning touchdown with only 54 seconds to play, it was Sanders yet again leading a quick drive with sharp passes down the field, setting up a 51-yard field goal by Andre Szmyt to send the game into overtime. Boy has he been clutch this year!
Finally, after having their backs against the wall yet again, down in overtime 23-16. Sanders led a 8 play, 67 yard drive resulting in a touchdown, giving them a chance to win had the two point conversion been successful.
Did they win? No! But, after today, no one can deny that Sanders was cool under pressure and with Watson departing at seasons end, it is almost a sure thing Sanders is starting by 14 at the latest.
