On a chilly Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas, Shedeur Sanders didn’t just survive his first NFL start—he thrived. The rookie quarterback, son of Deion Sanders, threw for 209 yards and a touchdown, leading the Cleveland Browns to a 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025. But the real story wasn’t just Sanders’ poise—it was the defensive demolition that followed. Myles Garrett racked up three sacks, bringing his season total to 18 and pushing him within five of the NFL single-season record. The Browns’ defense, in total, recorded a franchise-record 10 sacks, turning what was supposed to be a rookie’s baptism by fire into a statement win.
A Rookie’s Moment, Under the Spotlight
Shedeur Sanders entered the game as the 42nd starting quarterback for the Browns since their 1999 relaunch. He replaced Dillon Gabriel, still in concussion protocol after a brutal hit in Week 11. Sanders’ debut relief appearance two weeks prior had been rough: 4-of-16 for 47 yards, one interception. But this time, under head coach Kevin Stefanski’s system, he looked like a different player. The turning point came early: a 54-yard bomb to rookie wideout Isaiah Bond. Sanders escaped a blitz, rolled right, and launched a perfect arc down the sideline. Even Myles Garrett, usually stoic on the sideline, turned to a teammate and raised his eyebrows—did he just do that? His only mistake came on a short out to Jerry Jeudy, intercepted and converted into a 41-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson. But the rest? Clean. Sharp. Calm. Sanders’ 66-yard touchdown dump-off to Dylan Sampson wasn’t just a play—it was a sign the Browns’ offense might finally be finding its footing. After going 17 games without a QB making his first start winning, the Browns broke the curse. And they did it against a Raiders team that hadn’t won since October.The Defense That Broke the Game
If Sanders was the story, the defense was the earthquake. The Raiders entered the game already battered—left tackle Kolton Miller out, right tackle Thayer Munford inactive, offensive line in shambles. But no one expected 10 sacks. Not even the Browns. Myles Garrett was the engine. His third sack of the day came on third-and-12 in the third quarter, a devastating spin move that left guard Alex Leatherwood flat on his back. Garrett now has 18 sacks in 11 games. With six left, he needs five more to break the 22.5-record held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. He’s not just chasing history—he’s sprinting toward it. The entire unit was relentless. Aidan O’Connell, the Raiders’ QB, was pressured on 21 of his 37 dropbacks. He finished with 147 yards, zero touchdowns, and an interception. The Browns’ front seven didn’t just win—they dismantled. ESPN’s analytics showed the Raiders’ offensive line allowed an average of 4.7 seconds to throw this week—the worst in the NFL over the past decade. "We knew their line was banged up," Garrett said postgame. "But 10 sacks? That’s special no matter the circumstances."
A Franchise in Transition
The Browns have cycled through 45 starting quarterbacks since 1994—the most in NFL history. That’s not a statistic; it’s a symptom. The franchise has been stuck in a cycle of hope, disappointment, and reset. Sanders’ start didn’t fix everything. Cleveland is still 3-8. Their playoff chances are mathematically alive but practically dead. But for the first time in years, there’s a flicker of something real. Not just a young QB, but a young QB who showed he can handle pressure. Not just a defense that’s good, but one that’s elite. And for the first time since 2020, Cleveland didn’t lose to Las Vegas. Their last win over the Raiders? October 26, 2014. Nearly 11 years. "He showed poise beyond his years," Stefanski said. "He made the throws we needed when we needed them. That’s what leaders do."What’s Next? A Family Showdown Looms
Next Sunday, the Browns face the San Francisco 49ers (7-4) at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland. That’s a brutal test. Robert Saleh’s defense is top-five in points allowed. But Sanders will have a week to prepare—this time, with confidence. Meanwhile, the Raiders head to Empower Field at Mile High in Denver to face the Denver Broncos. And there, on the sideline, stands Deion Sanders. The man who once played in the NFL, coached in college, and now leads one of the league’s most electric teams. He’ll be watching his son—on the other sideline. It’s a storyline Hollywood would rewrite. A father coaching the Broncos. A son leading the Browns. A game where legacy, pressure, and pride collide. And it’s all set for November 30.
Behind the Numbers
- Shedeur Sanders: 11-of-20, 209 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT in first NFL start
- Myles Garrett: 3 sacks (18 on season), 5 shy of NFL single-season record
- Cleveland Browns: 10 sacks (franchise record), first time since 2012
- Las Vegas Raiders: 5 straight losses, 2-9 record, 20 sacks allowed in last 3 games
- First Browns QB to win his debut since 2020 (Drew Brees, 2001)
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Myles Garrett’s 18-sack season?
Garrett’s 18 sacks in 11 games are the most by any NFL player since T.J. Watt’s 22.5 in 2021. He’s on pace for 26.2 sacks over 17 games—far beyond the record. Only three players in NFL history have reached 20+ sacks in a season. If he gets five more, he’ll be the first since Strahan in 2001. His consistency against double teams makes this even more impressive.
Why is Shedeur Sanders considered a long-term solution for the Browns?
Unlike past Browns QBs who were stopgaps or draft busts, Sanders shows elite pocket awareness and arm talent despite his youth. He’s not just athletic—he reads defenses. His 54-yard completion to Bond wasn’t luck; it was precision under pressure. The Browns’ front office has spent years searching for a QB who can handle the chaos of Cleveland. He might be the first in 25 years who actually fits the mold.
What does this win mean for the Browns’ rebuild?
It’s not a playoff turnaround, but it’s a culture shift. After losing 11 straight games to division rivals, this win over a struggling but talented Raiders team proves the defense can carry the team. With Sanders showing growth and Garrett dominating, the foundation is forming. The real test? Can they win against elite teams like the 49ers? That’ll tell us if this is a fluke—or the start of something real.
How have the Raiders’ offensive line struggles impacted their season?
The Raiders have allowed 52 sacks this season—worst in the NFL. Their starting tackles have missed 15 games combined. Without Kolton Miller and Thayer Munford, Aidan O’Connell is constantly under siege. The offense can’t establish rhythm. They’ve scored 17 or fewer points in eight of their nine losses. Until they fix the line, they won’t be competitive, no matter how good their skill players are.
Will Deion Sanders coach against his son next week?
Yes. Deion Sanders will be on the Broncos’ sideline, while Shedeur leads the Browns. It’s the first time in NFL history a head coach will face his own son as a starting QB in a regular-season game. The emotional weight is immense. Deion has said he’ll treat it like any other game—but he’s also admitted he’s "nervous as hell." The broadcast will be one of the most-watched of the season.
Is this the start of a new era for the Browns?
It’s too early to call it an era, but it’s the clearest sign of progress since 2020. The defense is elite. The offensive line is improving. And now, they have a QB who doesn’t panic. If Sanders continues to develop and Garrett stays healthy, this team could be a wild-card contender in 2026. For a franchise that’s known for heartbreak, this might be the first real spark of hope in a generation.