The Cleveland Browns, currently struggling with a 3-8 record, are finding a glimmer of hope with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders stepping into the spotlight.

Last week, Sanders made a memorable debut as the starting quarterback, steering the Browns to a 24-10 triumph over the Las Vegas Raiders, who are now 2-9. Sanders completed 11 of his 20 pass attempts, amassing 209 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. His next challenge looms larger, as the Browns face the formidable 8-4 San Francisco 49ers.

“I’m in grind mode,” Sanders stated, gearing up for the encounter with the 49ers.

As a fifth-round draft pick, chosen 144th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders is fully aware of the precious opportunity he’s been given to lead the team. This chance arose after Dillon Gabriel, the starting quarterback, sustained a concussion in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. Initially, Sanders had a tough time stepping in, completing only 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards and throwing an interception. However, his performance against the Raiders showed promise, and he is determined to keep improving.

“I’m definitely not comfortable, though, so that’s first and foremost that I have another opportunity to go out there,” Sanders remarked. “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. So, I’m never comfortable in a situation I’m in. I always want to exceed expectations, and I always want to grow each and every week. I want to put a better product of myself, be a better version of myself for the team to be out there.”

Sanders is set to face a 49ers defense that has struggled, allowing the most passing yards in the NFL at 2,901, and recording the fewest sacks with just 13. This could provide Sanders with plenty of opportunities to exploit the San Francisco secondary and showcase his abilities.

Sanders will be facing a 49ers defense that has given up the most passing yards in the NFL (2,901) and has racked up the least amount of sacks (13). Sanders should have time to throw and chances to exploit the San Francisco secondary.

“It’s about belief. The reason why I am so confident in the way I am is the guys around believe. That’s what’s most important with having a team, within having an offense. Within having to have a spark. You gotta have guys that believe. I’m fully confident in myself throughout everything and I’m confident in my team. And I’m sure they’re confident in me also.”

Sanders’ ascent to starter is improbable, as he was way down the depth chart at quarterback this summer, but then Kenny Pickett was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders, Joe Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, and Dillon Gabriel wound up suffering a concussion. These developments are what led to Sanders starting. Even though it’s been a challenging stretch, he knows that no one takes pity on him – he has to go out there and play well

“That’s how life is,” Sanders said. “Everybody’s not in the best situation, but it’s no excuse. You got to go out there and perform. There’s no choice and no question. Nobody cares if this was one week of prep. Who cares? A lot of people want to see me fail, and it isn’t going to happen.”