Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders successfully navigated his first career NFL start on Sunday, leading the Cleveland Browns to a 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. While the win was a collective effort anchored by a dominant defensive performance, the result marked a significant individual milestone: Sanders became the first Browns rookie quarterback since 1995 to secure a win in his debut start.

The victory ended a streak of 17 consecutive Browns starting quarterbacks losing their first career start, a historical anomaly dating back to the franchise's post-reformation era. Playing with his father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, in attendance, the young quarterback exhibited control while overseeing a calculated, run-heavy offense designed to minimize risk.

Sanders finished the game, completing 11 of 20 pass attempts for 209 yards. He delivered his first career touchdown pass in the fourth quarter: a 66-yard catch-and-run by fellow rookie running back Dylan Sampson that put the game out of reach. While the play was a short pass out of the backfield, Sampson’s burst provided the memorable highlight for the rookie quarterback’s statistical debut.

The Browns' offense, under a revised game plan, relied heavily on its ground game and play-action concepts early on. The team's first two scores came via short rushing touchdowns from running back Quinshon Judkins, often utilizing the wildcat formation. However, Sanders was able to convert crucial downfield passes, most notably connecting with rookie receiver Isaiah Bond for a 52-yard strike that set up one of the early rushing scores.

Cleveland’s defensive unit proved instrumental in setting the tone and controlling the game. The Browns’ defense amassed 10 sacks, applying relentless pressure to the Raiders’ quarterback throughout the afternoon. Defensive End Myles Garrett led the effort with three sacks, breaking his own franchise single-season sack record. The defense's dominance ensured the young quarterback did not face insurmountable pressure to carry the scoring load.

Despite throwing one interception and occasionally struggling to find a rhythm downfield, Sanders effectively managed the game and did not take a single debilitating sack, a crucial improvement for a rookie. His performance, coupled with the defensive unit's overwhelming support, was enough to secure the team's third victory of the season and offer a hopeful narrative for the future of the quarterback position in Cleveland. The win now transitions the discussion to how the organization will manage its developing quarterback in the weeks to come.