Shedeur Sanders admitted he flunked his much-anticipated NFL debut for the Cleveland Browns.
The rookie quarterback, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, enjoyed his first NFL snaps in the Browns’ clash with the Ravens on Sunday.
Sanders entered the game in the second half after starter Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion. He was given a huge ovation by the Browns fans.
But the 23-year-old failed to inspire Cleveland to victory as the Ravens edged Sunday’s game 23-16.
He ended the night with 16 rushing yards and 47 passing yards after completing four of his 16 passes. He also threw one interception and was sacked twice.
After the game, Sanders admitted: ‘I don’t think I played good at all… It was just rough overall, it was a rough day overall.’
Shedeur Sanders admitted he flunked his much-anticipated NFL debut for the Browns
The 23-year-old failed to inspire Cleveland to victory as the Ravens edged the game 23-16
He added: ‘Losing isn’t something I’m comfortable with. I just have take this one. I have to decompress, I have to understand: this really happened. On my watch.
‘I don’t like the feeling and I know offensively if I’m able to get out there and have an opportunity, I know I’ll be able to take everything to a different level.
‘I still have the same confidence. I’m still me. That’ll never go anywhere.’
Sanders thanked the Browns fans for their support but suggested they did not help the team when chanting ‘we want Sanders’ while Gabriel was still under center.
‘I don’t really like him not feeling comfortable or confident when he gets out there,’ Sanders said.
‘And it’s not helping the team. That could be taken as: I’m a distraction even though I’m not doing anything.
‘I’m thankful for the support, for the fans, for everybody out there that believes. When I got out there, I definitely felt them and I’m truly thankful for it.’
Sanders, who suffered an embarrassing draft slide before being taken by the Browns in the fifth round, had the chance to orchestrate a game-winning final drive on Sunday.
Sanders completed four of his 16 passes, threw one interception and was sacked twice
‘I don’t think I played good at all… It was just rough overall, it was a rough day overall,’ he said
The quarterback led the Browns to the Baltimore 25-yard line but then failed to find anyone in the end zone.
‘I know I’m made for it. I don’t think there was a doubt in my mind that that final drive we were going to go down there and score,’ Sanders insisted.
‘But the thing I was excited about was just being able to get out there. It’s the first time I got hit since my last game at Colorado. Having that feeling back was good.’
He added: ‘It’s all you could ask for, honestly – the chance to get out there, get your feet wet, experience how it feels to even be out there.’
