While every NFL team passed on Shedeur Sanders multiple times during the draft, the Las Vegas Raiders might be the first team to feel his vengeance. At this point, it only be fitting that this is what happens on Sunday.
It’s fascinating how much Sanders has dominated NFL headlines since before his name was even chosen to join the professional ranks. The fall from grace—supposed top-five pick to fifth-round darling—is something of which we had never seen before.
His days in Cleveland have also been in the news despite just throwing a few passes in the league. However, it does appear that the “quarterback controversy” for the Browns might soon come to an end—that’s especially true depending on what happens when Shedeur makes his first career start versus the Raiders.
Will the Raiders regret passing on Browns QB Shedeur Sanders?
Though he was pressed into service last weekend, Sanders was in an impossible situation against the Baltimore Ravens. Having not practiced with the first team, Sanders succumbed to a vaunted pass rush that sacked him twice. Against the Raiders, Sanders will have to contend with Maxx Crosby. Though the team in general gives little reason to think that the former Colorado quarterback will be in trouble.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski shared praise for his rookie ahead of Week 12. “He’s working very hard,” Stefanski said. He went on to mention Sanders’ development, too: “I see significant growth from Shedeur.”
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Sanders, for his part, was more than enthusiastic as he looked to take command of the Tommy Rees-coached Browns offense. “Truly excited for practice and knowing I have a say-so in placing players where they need to be, seeing how they come in and out of routes,” Sanders stated. “I’m more of a feel-type person. I’m not just a watcher, I have to be out there and feel it.”
Sanders’ fellow rookie cohort, Cam Ward, who was chosen with the first overall pick (the same selection that Sanders believed he should’ve been), faced the Raiders this season. If you recall, he looked rather pedestrian and was sacked six times. Should Raider Nation expect a similar outing? It’s either that or Sanders will come in with a chip on his shoulder, looking to light up the team he’d wanted to be a part of.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin