Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders endured a harsh welcome to professional football, while Las Vegas Raiders veteran Geno Smith continued his frustrating streak of giveaways.
Both now find themselves set for a head-to-head meeting in Week 12 that could prove pivotal for each player’s future.
Sanders‘ long-awaited NFL debut quickly unraveled last Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. On just his fourth career pass attempt, the former Colorado Buffalo threw his first interception, part of a 4-for-16 performance that netted only 47 yards and helped seal a 23-16 Cleveland defeat.
The fifth-round pick was thrust into action after fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel left with a concussion, leaving Sanders little time to prepare for one of the league’s stingiest defenses.
For Smith, the turnover troubles are becoming routine. His interception on Monday Night Football marked the third straight game in which he has thrown at least one.
Through 10 starts this season, the 12-year veteran has avoided a pick in only two outings, ranking near the top of the league in total interceptions behind only Miami‘s Tua Tagovailoa. The Raiders, mired in offensive inconsistency, now face renewed questions about Smith‘s long-term viability as their starter.
Richard Sherman hints at a showcase moment for Sanders
As fate would have it, these two quarterbacks meet this weekend in Las Vegas. For Shedeur Sanders, it’s a chance to make an impression that could alter the trajectory of his young career.
Former All-Pro cornerback and current analyst Richard Sherman believes the matchup could serve as an early audition for Sanders in front of a franchise that once showed interest in him.
“He’ll be playing against the Raiders and Pete Carroll, who may be looking to make a trade. They are going to decide on a quarterback this offseason,” Sherman suggested.
Before the 2025 NFL Draft, the Raiders were rumored to have considered selecting Sanders. That interest, dormant since draft night, might resurface if the rookie impresses at Allegiant Stadium. Still, Sherman believes Las Vegas is poised to draft a quarterback next spring.
“They’re clearly going to draft a quarterback in the first round based on the way Geno has been playing,” he said.
Even so, he framed Sunday as a golden opportunity for Sanders to prove he belongs.
“It’ll be a winnable game for the Browns and this is as good of a chance for Shedeur Sanders,” Sherman concluded. “They don’t bring a ton of pressure, they don’t do a ton of exotic things on defense. We’ll see what he’s able to do with it.”
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