Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders delivered the most impactful performance of his young NFL career in Week 14, and despite the team’s loss to the Tennessee Titans, the league made sure his efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Sanders was officially named NFL Rookie of the Week, a recognition that highlights his rapid rise and growing influence within Cleveland’s offense.
The honor came after Sanders outperformed an impressive group of nominees, including Broncos running back RJ Harvey, Saints running back Devin Neal, Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori, Titans safety Kevin Winston, and Browns teammate Harold Fannin. It was only his third NFL start, but it served as a clear turning point for the first-year quarterback.
Shedeur Sanders showcased significant poise and production, completing 23 of 42 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns. He added another dimension with his legs, leading the Browns with 29 rushing yards and recording his first career rushing touchdown. The outing also marked his first time surpassing the 300-yard passing mark in the NFL.
His statistical achievements placed him among the franchise’s most impressive rookie performers. Sanders’ 364 passing yards tied for the third-most by a Browns rookie in a single game, and his three passing touchdowns tied for the second-most. More notably, he became the first player in franchise history to record at least 300 passing yards, three touchdown passes, and a rushing touchdown in the same game.
In the aftermath of the performance, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski made a significant shift in his approach to the quarterback position, announcing that Shedeur Sanders would remain the starter for Cleveland’s final four regular-season games.
Stefanski expressed confidence in the rookie’s dedication and growth, saying, “I’ve been really impressed by his work ethic. And that’s going back to since the moment he got here. He’s still very early into his career, and he would tell you the same.”
Stefanski emphasized the value of game experience, adding, “There’s moments in these games that come up that are hard to replicate in practice…then you get the rep in a game, and that’s the most valuable learning tool you can have. And I think he will only take all of that and use that to his development moving forward.”
With fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel serving as the backup and veteran Deshaun Watson not yet activated, the Browns have clearly committed to Sanders as the centerpiece of their late-season push. Even in defeat, Week 14 may ultimately be remembered as the moment Shedeur Sanders’ trajectory truly accelerated.