Shedeur Sanders will start his second NFL game on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The rookie quarterback started against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12, helping the Cleveland Browns secure their third win of the season (24-10) behind a decent performance from Sanders and a monster display from defensive end Myles Garrett.
The challenge will be considerably tougher in Week 13. The 49ers are back in the race for the NFC West division title after two consecutive wins. They will visit Huntington Bank Stadium to try to extend the streak to three wins, but the weather might be a factor in this game. Not only for San Francisco but for Sanders, a native of Tyler, Texas.
Shedeur Sanders’ mother, Pilar, questioned how her son would take the challenge of playing in 37° Fahrenheit (2° Celsius). Sanders revealed they practiced in the snow ahead of Thanksgiving dinner.
“How did it feel?” Pilar Sanders asked.
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
“Cold,” Shedeur said. “How (is) feeling the snow?”
After Pilar asked him how he thought he would play on Sunday, Sanders responded with one word.
“Legendary,” the rookie said.
Shedeur Sanders had a decent first start, going 11 of 20 for 209 yards and one touchdown with one interception. The Browns’ offense scored three touchdowns, while the defense did a terrific job stopping Geno Smith and Co. The 49ers will pose a much difficult test for the Browns, but Sanders’ confidence remains high.
Former NFL star defends Shedeur Sanders’ confidence
Talking with Fox News Digital, Shawne Merriman reflected on how Shedeur Sanders’ comments could rub people the wrong way. The former linebacker said the rookie could be seen as arrogant or overconfident, but also noted it is a good trait to have as a quarterback.
“But the other side of that is, I do not want to play with a quarterback who’s not confident. I just don’t. I think, me personally, I think that little bit of cockiness that Shedeur has gives the Browns a sense that they got a chance to win every week, which they have not had the entire season,” Merriman said.
“When you have them, all they need is a defense. When you’re playing at that level, you have to feel like you’re walking into a game and you got a chance to win. That is enough.”
The Browns’ defense won the first two games of the season. Sanders brought a spark on Sunday and showed that the offense can play at a different pace.