The Browns may have reached a turning point in their season. A lot of it has to do with the decision that has been made with the quarterback position.
Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made his starting debut in the 24-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. While his performance was far from spectacular, going 11-of-20 for 209 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a sack, it was more than intriguing enough to warrant seeing more of him going forward.
So that means seeing Sanders starting not against one of the bottom feeders of the league, which the 2-8 Raiders are, but against one of the division leaders. That’s who will be coming to Cleveland Nov. 30, the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers.
That’s where the three biggest questions coming out of the Raiders game for the Browns begins.
What will Shedeur Sanders do in 2nd start against San Francisco 49ers?
Coach Kevin Stefanski wouldn’t commit immediately after the Raiders game, but in a move that’s somewhat uncharacteristic of him, did announce the day after that Sanders would start against the 49ers. The reasons were obvious, including the win itself and with the noticeable energy created by Sanders’ performance. Now, the onus is on Sanders to continue to progress upward with his second start. The runway is there for him to show the Browns exactly what they have in him, especially with games against the likes of the 49ers, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers in the next five weeks.
What’s the problem with Jerry Jeudy?
The big play that seemed to be missing for wide receiver Jerry Jeudy showed up against the Raiders. Sanders found him on a deep route in the third quarter, and the result was a gain of more than 30. It could’ve been more, though, but Jeudy inexplicably tried to make a move on a Raiders defender behind him, while not seeing Jeremy Chinn coming up to knock the ball out of his hands. The fumble negated a huge play, and one that could’ve really gotten Jeudy going. Instead, that was his only catch on three targets as his rough season continued.
What does Myles Garrett do for an encore?
The front-runner to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award has gone from one week to the next seemingly elevating his performance each time out. The last five games have been the perfect example of that, with games of five, four and three sacks included. The last one happened against the Raiders, and included a pair of forced fumbles, one of which the Browns recovered. It also pushed his season total to a franchise single-season record 18 sacks. That’s only 4.5 sacks behind the NFL record of 22.5. The way Garrett’s playing, that could be passed in the matter of a couple of weeks. Or, depending on how the 49ers contain him, one game.