Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will make his home debut for the Cleveland Browns against a banged-up San Francisco 49ers defense this Sunday. Following a rocky start, Sanders secured his first victory as a starter, leading the team to a 24-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He completed 11 of 20 passes, throwing one touchdown and one interception in the process. This performance has given the Browns confidence in his readiness to take on the 49ers, who have been one of the league”s most formidable defenses in recent years.
The 49ers are grappling with significant injury issues that could provide Sanders and the Browns with an opportunity to exploit. Key defensive players, including linebacker Tatum Bethune and defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu, will be sidelined this week. Defensive end Nick Bosa is currently on injured reserve due to a torn ACL, and linebacker Fred Warner is out with an ankle injury. This situation may give Sanders some breathing room as he aims to improve the Browns” offensive performance.
Despite being named the starting quarterback, Sanders remains focused on his development. “I”m definitely not comfortable, though, so that”s first and foremost that I have another opportunity to go out there,” he stated on Wednesday. He understands the precarious nature of his position, noting, “But in life, you got to understand how quickly things come or how long it comes, it could be taken at any point in time.”
As the Browns prepare for the game, it is worth noting they currently rank 31st in total yards per game, averaging 258.5, and 29th in scoring with 16.2 points per game this season. On the other hand, the 49ers enter the matchup ranked 21st in the NFL in yards per game, averaging 342.7 and allowing 4,112 yards, placing them 15th in total defense. This follows a season in which they were 11th in opponent points allowed per game.
With the stakes high and the injuries affecting the 49ers, Sanders” performance could be pivotal in turning around the Browns” season.
