by By Kendrick Marshallhttps://hbcusports.com/ HBCU Sports
Shedeur Sanders, the rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, made an immediate impression during his first NFL preseason game.
During his first half performance against the Carolina Panthers, he thrilled spectators at Bank of America Stadium and on social media by throwing two touchdown passes.
The event was particularly poignant for Sanders, the son of Colorado Buffaloes head coach and Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Sanders, who was selected in the fifth round of this year’s draft, took advantage of his starting opportunity with a composed and accurate performance.
Without committing a turnover or making an interception, the former quarterback for Colorado and Jackson State concluded the half 11 of 18 for 103 yards and those two crucial touchdowns to wide out Kaden Davis.
A muffed punt by the Panthers put Cleveland deep in Carolina territory and allowed for the first touchdown, a 7-yard dart that was weaved between defenders.
His happy father celebrated on social media as Sanders rolled out and found Davis in the end zone, tying the score at 7-7. “Yes, Lawd!” he wrote. @ShedeurSanders, yes.
Sanders demonstrated his composure under duress with his second touchdown. The rookie dropped back, looked over the field, and hit Davis with a 12-yard shot over the middle as the Browns were gaining ground late in the half, giving Cleveland their first lead of the preseason.
LeBron James, the NBA great, added his voice to the outpouring of admiration by posting, “That young man looking good out there.” Continue to rise! Head high to the highest point and head down to the grind.
The boisterous Charlotte audience observed Sanders’ fluid movement in the pocket, his ability to scramble when necessary, and his constant ability to make wise choices. He showed some rookie nerves on a few throws and faced Carolina’s starting defense on early drives, but he seemed unfazed by the situation, especially since he hadn’t played snaps with the starters in training until this week.
Sanders took charge and produced when the Browns decided to rest veteran Joe Flacco due to quarterback injuries. He had established himself as a rookie to watch by halftime, providing Browns supporters with plenty to be happy about as the preseason progresses.
