Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) and Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) shake hands after the game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-1285198 ORIG FILE ID: 20251123_kdl_al2_023047.JPG

Shedeur Sanders was due for a win, literally and figuratively. After slipping to the fifth round of the NFL Draft, getting buried on the depth chart and stumbling in his first regular-season action, Sanders beat the Las Vegas Raiders 24-10 in his starting debut Sunday.

It was the first time a Cleveland Browns quarterback won their starting debut since Eric Zeier in 1995, seven years before Sanders was born. Sanders breathed life into a Browns team that hasn't had quality QB play since Baker Mayfield broke onto the scene, and he earned big praise from the Raiders in the process.

"You a dog," four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby said postgame, per a video posted to social media. "Keep doing your thing."

Geno Smith echoed Crosby's message, asking Sanders how his first win felt before embracing him with a hug.

It was all smiles from Sanders, and after being declared the starter over a healthy Dillon Gabriel this week, he'll have an opportunity to keep the good times rolling at home Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Shedeur Sanders praised by Maxx Crosby, Raiders after winning debut

Reporting by Wajih AlBaroudi, For The Win / For The Win

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