Cleveland Browns: Real Test for Shedeur Sanders is in Week 13 

In the Cleveland Browns’ week 12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders gained confidence and demonstrated he can hold his own on the field.

Sanders had a good supporting cast helping his cause- unless you count Jerry Jeudy’s mishap. The wildcat rushing touchdowns spoke to Browns’ play caller, Tommy Rees’ creativity and willingness to utilize the weapons at his disposal to support Sanders. The defensive Dawgs were howling with 10 sacks. Three of these were courtesy of elite defensive end Myles Garrett.

Ultimately, the team victory allowed Sanders to break a 30-year-long winless streak for the Browns’ starting QBs’ first games. The last Cleveland starter who managed this was Eric Zeler in 1995.

While the victory was a significant first step for the young quarterback, Sanders has the unenviable task of proving the win against the 2- 9 Raiders was not a fluke. The San Francisco 49ers team coming to Cleveland on November 30 is not nearly as hapless as the Raiders and expects to win on the road.

Potential Problems for Sanders

The 49ers are still in playoff contention with a 7-4 record, even though they are not an epic force to be reckoned with this season. However, this team still has plenty of weapons that can trip up Sanders.

• The 49ers Pass Rush- The Niners front will be coming at Sanders quickly and constantly. Ohio State Alum Nick Bosa is the line’s cornerstone. But you can count on San Francisco’s defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, to cycle linemen in and out and blitz frequently to keep the pressure up. His aggressive style maximizes Bosa’s edge-rushing ability, which could prove problematic for Sanders.

• Improved Secondary – San Francisco’s secondary is jelling at the right time, giving Saleh greater ability to disguise coverages. Safeties Ji’Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha are proving to be a duo worth watching. Both Brown and Mustapha had impressive showings against the Carolina Panthers in Week 12 and appear to be settling in for a strong finish to the season.

• Niners’ Timing and Game Speed- The 49ers are coming on fast, and Sanders will need to react quickly and precisely. Against the Raiders, he looked poised in the pocket. He didn’t give off a sense of uncertainty, and aside from a single interception, he made wise passing decisions. The Niners won’t be offering the luxury of time or thoughtful choices.

Sanders’ Strategies for Success

The Niners are a more formidable opponent for Sanders and the Browns than the Raiders. If he relies on a few key strategies, the rookie likely will have some success.

• Get the Ball Away Fast- Bosa’s coming to collapse the pocket and flatten Sanders. There’s no doubt- it’s a fact. The O-line will do all they can, but Sanders needs to be quick and decisive.

• Rely on the Run- The running game was a key factor in Cleveland’s success in Las Vegas. Establishing some early rhythm on the ground will allow Sanders a chance to scope out the Niners’ D while staying upright.

• Don’t Try to Force It- Playing an intentional game and not giving in to knee-jerk reactions will prevent drive-killing, momentum-draining, soul-destroying mistakes.

Every pass and rush attempt from Shedeur Sanders’ first NFL game | Week 11

Cleveland’s offensive line is in relatively good shape. It ought to protect Sanders reasonably well against Bosa and the 49er D. To be successful on Sunday, Sanders will have to meet his line halfway by wasting no time getting into a rhythm, reading the coverage efficiently, and choosing well. Sanders would also benefit if Rees kept a safety valve handy for tough spots. Shedeur Sanders will have more to contend with playing against the 49ers, as this game will be a bigger test for the rookie.