When the Buffalo Bills head into Cleveland this Sunday, they’ll be facing something they haven’t seen all season: a rookie quarterback under center. That rookie is Shedeur Sanders, the Browns’ fifth-round pick and third starting quarterback of the year. And while Cleveland’s 3-11 record doesn’t exactly scream “threat,” Sanders has brought a spark that’s hard to ignore.
Since taking over four games ago, Sanders has injected some life into an offense that had been stuck in neutral for most of the season. He’s already delivered two games with over 200 passing yards-something the Browns hadn’t done since Week 2, back when Joe Flacco was still taking snaps.
In just his second start, Sanders led Cleveland to a win over the Raiders, and two weeks ago, he lit up the Titans for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in a shootout loss. For a team that’s been searching for answers all year, Sanders has at least given them something to build on.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott isn’t brushing off the rookie, either. Speaking to the media this week, McDermott had high praise for Sanders, calling him “a good young player off to a great start” and highlighting his ability to make plays with his full toolset.
“He’s done a great job,” McDermott said. “I think their offense has ratcheted up since he’s been under center.
So that’ll be a big challenge for us.”
McDermott’s not wrong-the Browns have looked more dynamic with Sanders at the helm. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing.
Cleveland has turned the ball over at least twice in each of the last four games, and Sanders is still learning the ropes in a league that doesn’t give rookies much breathing room. Last week against the Bears, he threw three interceptions and took a season-high five sacks.
That kind of pressure could be a problem again this week.
The Bills are hoping to get cornerback Christian Benford back in the lineup, which would be a big plus in limiting Sanders’ opportunities downfield. And with Joey Bosa now another week removed from injury, Buffalo’s pass rush could be primed to take advantage of Sanders’ tendency to hold onto the ball a beat too long. For all the promise he’s shown, Sanders is still a rookie in a tough league, and Buffalo has the personnel to make life difficult for him.
That said, Sanders isn’t someone to overlook. He’s raw, sure, but he’s shown flashes of the kind of upside that can change a game.
The Browns’ offense has looked more competent-and at times, even explosive-with him in charge. For a team like Buffalo, fighting to stay hot in the stretch run, this is the kind of matchup that can’t be taken lightly.
The Bills have the edge in experience and momentum, but if they underestimate Sanders, they could find themselves in a much tighter game than expected.
It’s a classic late-season test: a playoff-hopeful team facing a scrappy underdog with nothing to lose and a young quarterback trying to prove he belongs. The Bills will need to bring their A-game to make sure this doesn’t turn into a trap.