No Browns quarterback has won his first NFL start since 1995, but Shedeur Sanders — thanks largely to his defense — is halfway to changing that. The Browns lead the Raiders 14-3 after two quarters. Quinshon Judkins has both touchdowns for Cleveland.
Sanders is 7 for 11 for 127 yards, one interception and one sack. But the other two aspects of the game have been tremendous. Gage Lavardain had a big punt return to set up Judkins’ first touchdown — an 8-yarder out of the wildcat formation.
Later in the first quarter, Sanders helped his own cause, linking up with fellow rookie Isaiah Bond for a 52-yard gain, the longest Browns completion this season.
Sanders once again retreated to the sideline, though, and Judkins plunged in for a 2-yard score after taking the direct snap.
The game turned into a slog in the second quarter: Sanders threw an interception to Raiders edge defender Charles Snowden, who had dropped back into coverage, and the Raiders turned that into three points.
Sanders had one other big play — a 39-yard completion to Jerry Jeudy — but Jeremy Chinn came racing back into the play to force a fumble, costing Cleveland a potential chance at more points.
It’s been even uglier for Las Vegas. Geno Smith has taken five sacks, including one from Myles Garrett. Garrett now has 16 sacks on the season, by far the most in the NFL. Maliek Collins has two sacks for Cleveland.
Be sure to stay tuned for the second half!