Shedeur Sanders Wins NFL Start as Browns Crush Raiders 24-10; Chip Kelly Fired After 10-Sack Disaster
When Shedeur Sanders took the snap under center at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, November 23, 2025, no one expected him to end a 17-game quarterback win drought for the Cleveland Browns. But with a 66-yard touchdown pass to Dylan Sampson and a cool head under pressure, the rookie—son of Deion Sanders—did just that, leading the Browns to a 24-10 upset over the Las Vegas Raiders in a game that ended with more than just a win: a coaching earthquake.
A Rookie’s Breakthrough
Shedeur Sanders didn’t just play well—he played like he belonged. Replacing concussed starter Dillon Gabriel, Sanders completed 18 of 28 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His poise under pressure was startling for a first-time starter. But the real story wasn’t just his arm—it was his timing. Late in the fourth quarter, with the Browns up 17-10, Sanders took a short dump-off to Sampson, who broke two tackles and turned it into a 66-yard score. That play, more than any other, sealed the Raiders’ fate and sent the sparse home crowd into stunned silence. It was the Browns’ first road win of the season and their first victory over Las Vegas since October 26, 2014—ending a five-game skid in the series. More significantly, it was the first time a Browns quarterback had won his debut start since 1995. This was Cleveland’s 42nd different starting QB since returning to the NFL in 1999. For a franchise that’s long struggled at the position, this felt like a turning point.The Defensive Domination
If Sanders was the story, Myles Garrett was the force. The All-Pro defensive end racked up three sacks, part of a terrifying 10-sack barrage on Geno Smith. The Raiders’ offensive line, already thin after injuries to tackles Maxx Crosby (who had five tackles for loss but was on the wrong side of this game) and others, collapsed under the weight of Cleveland’s front seven. Smith, who threw for 285 yards, was constantly scrambling, never given a clean pocket. The 10 sacks were the most allowed by the Raiders in a single game since 2011. Cleveland’s defense didn’t just stop the run—it suffocated it. The Raiders punted eight times, turned the ball over on downs twice, and lost a fumble. Their only touchdown came on a 12-yard run by rookie Ashton Jeanty, his eighth of the season. But it was too little, too late.The Coaching Axe Falls
The real bombshell came after the final whistle. Less than an hour after the game ended, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. The decision wasn’t surprising to insiders—it was inevitable. Kelly, who had returned to the NFL in 2025 after winning the 2024 College Football Playoff title as Ohio State’s OC, had overseen three straight games with 16 or fewer points. The Raiders had scored just 41 points over their last three contests. Against the Browns, they managed only 10. The offense looked disjointed, predictable, and utterly outmatched. "They were physically outmatched for 60 minutes," read the Raiders’ official game recap. The crowd, once loud and hopeful, turned on the team by the third quarter. Kelly’s dismissal was swift and final. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed the firing minutes after the game. No interim was named. The Raiders’ offense will now be run by assistant coaches as they try to salvage pride in the final four games of a lost season.The Ripple Effect
For the Browns (3-8), this win was more than a morale boost—it was validation. After losing five straight, they now have momentum. Quarterback play, long their Achilles’ heel, might finally be stabilizing. Sanders’ performance didn’t just end a drought—it ignited hope. The team will host the San Francisco 49ers on November 30 at FirstEnergy Stadium, a chance to prove this wasn’t a fluke. For the Raiders (2-9), the road ahead is darker. They’re mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. Their defense, once a strength, has shown cracks. Jeanty left the game late with a midsection injury. Mayer, their reliable tight end, was sidelined with an ankle issue. And now, without a coordinator, they’re left with questions and no clear answers.What’s Next?
The Browns will need to build on this momentum. Sanders can’t be expected to carry the offense alone. The offensive line must improve. But for now, the narrative has shifted: Cleveland isn’t just a team trying to survive—they’re a team with a future. The Raiders? They’re in damage control. With Pete Carroll still at the helm, the organization is betting on culture over scheme. But without an offensive identity, even the best leaders struggle. The next two months will determine whether this is a reset—or the beginning of a longer rebuild.Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Shedeur Sanders’ first NFL win for the Cleveland Browns?
It’s historic. Sanders became the first Browns quarterback to win his debut start since 1995, ending a 17-game losing streak for Cleveland starters making their first appearance. With 42 different QBs since 1999, this win signals potential stability at a position that’s haunted the franchise for decades. His poise under pressure and ability to execute in clutch moments suggest he could be the answer they’ve been searching for.
Why was Chip Kelly fired after just one season with the Raiders?
Despite his college success with Ohio State’s 2024 national title, Kelly’s NFL offense failed to adapt. The Raiders scored 16 or fewer points in three straight games, including just 10 against Cleveland. Their offensive line was overwhelmed, and play-calling was overly predictable. With Geno Smith sacked 10 times and the team averaging under 15 points per game, ownership lost patience. Kelly’s firing was less about one game and more about systemic failure over weeks.
What impact did Myles Garrett’s performance have on the game?
Garrett’s three sacks were the centerpiece of a historic defensive effort—10 total sacks on Geno Smith, the most by any team against the Raiders since 2011. His pressure forced hurried throws, disrupted timing, and kept the Raiders’ offense off the field. With the Browns’ offense struggling early, Garrett’s dominance gave Cleveland’s defense the breathing room to control tempo and force mistakes.
How does this loss affect the Raiders’ future plans?
With playoff hopes gone, the Raiders are now focused on evaluating talent for the 2026 draft. Their 2-9 record gives them a top-5 pick, and they’ll likely target an offensive tackle or quarterback. The firing of Chip Kelly signals a full offensive reboot. Expect a new coordinator by January, possibly someone with NFL experience who can simplify schemes and protect the quarterback better.
Is Shedeur Sanders the Browns’ long-term solution at quarterback?
It’s too early to crown him, but his debut performance—209 yards, one TD, no panic under pressure—suggests he has the poise and decision-making to develop. He’s not a flashy arm like Joe Burrow, but he’s smart, accurate, and calm. If the Browns can build a better offensive line and give him consistent playmakers, Sanders could be their starter for years. The next four games will be his true test.
What’s the significance of the 10 sacks on Geno Smith?
Ten sacks in one game is rare—it hasn’t happened to the Raiders since 2011. It exposed a broken offensive line, poor protection schemes, and a quarterback who couldn’t escape pressure. For Smith, who’s been durable and efficient in recent years, it was his worst game in over three seasons. The number didn’t just reflect bad luck—it reflected systemic failure. That’s why the firing of Chip Kelly was immediate and unavoidable.
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