Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) celebrates after a touchdown in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-The USAToday Network via Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders, arguably the most hyped fifth-round pick in NFL history, took center stage on Friday night. He had a performance to be proud of.

The Cleveland Browns quarterback got the start vs. the Carolina Panthers in his first taste of NFL action when the two sides squared off in their preseason debuts on Aug. 8.

Sanders found the end zone twice in the affair, and showcased some of the talent that led some evaluators to believe he was a potential first-round pick back in April.

While preseason isn't entirely "real," Sanders made a great first impression and strengthened his standing in the Browns' QB battle. With 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and former first-rounder Kenny Pickett both nursing hamstring injuries, it was the "Shedeur Show."

That made for appointment viewing. Here's how Sanders played vs. the Panthers:

Shedeur Sanders stats today

Sanders was pulled prior to the start of the fourth quarter, but he had a promising debut for the Browns. Here's how the box score looked for Sanders:

  • Completions/Attempts: 14/23
  • Passing yards: 138 yards
  • Passing touchdowns: 2
  • Passer rating: 106.8
  • Interceptions: 0
  • Fumbles (Lost): 0
  • Rushing yards: 19 (four carries)
  • Sacks: 2

Why did Shedeur Sanders fall in the draft?

A combination of unique circumstances, starting with who Sanders is – the son of Hall of Fame player Deion Sanders, who was his college coach – ultimately "clouded the projection," NFL draft analyst for The Athletic Dane Brugler said, for "those of us on the outside" of the NFL and those employed by a team.

"Teams thought he could have gone in the top 40 and that would have not been surprising at all," Brugler told USA TODAY Sports.

Instead, the opposite occurred, leading to the same reaction: surprise.

"Around the league, people were shocked," ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller said. "No one that I talked to expected it." – Chris Bumbaca

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shedeur Sanders stats vs. Panthers: How Browns QB played today

Reporting by Joe Rivera, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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