Shedeur Sanders throws 2 TDs in impressive preseason debut

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made a great impression in his NFL preseason debut, passing for two touchdowns in the first half of Friday's 30-10 win over the Carolina Panthers.

Sanders didn't lead a scoring drive on the Browns' first three offensive series, but the fifth-round pick looked more comfortable as the contest progressed.

The 23-year-old put a nice touch on the ball on his first touchdown, connecting with receiver Kaden Davis for a 7-yard completion in the second quarter.

Davis also caught Sanders' second touchdown of the half, this time on a 12-yard play that showcased the first-year passer's great pocket presence.

Shedeur Sanders to Kaden Davis AGAIN for the TD!

CLEvsCAR on @NFLNetwork

Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/9ucfAJiMNY — NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025

Sanders led another touchdown drive after halftime and played most of the third quarter before being replaced by Tyler Huntley. Sanders finished with 14 completions on 23 pass attempts for 138 yards and two touchdowns. He didn't throw any interceptions and rushed for 19 yards.

Sanders, who's competing for a spot on the Browns' 53-man roster, said he isn't focused on where he stands in the team's quarterback competition.

"I just think about when I get out there doing what I gotta do. Everything else is out of my hands," Sanders said postgame, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic.

Sanders, the son of Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, was considered one of the top quarterback prospects of the 2025 NFL Draft but shockingly fell to the fifth round, where Cleveland picked him with the 144th pick.

"I'm comfortable being uncomfortable," Shedeur Sanders added Friday. "Overall, I felt like me out there."

Deion reacted to his son's standout preseason debut on social media.

Oh yeah what now! #CoachPrime — COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) August 9, 2025

In addition to Sanders, the Browns added Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel to their QB depth chart this year.

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