Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will make the first start of his career on Sunday in Las Vegas. Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the move on Wednesday, and Sanders followed it by taking his first snaps with the starters later in the day.
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Sanders told reporters he is embracing the moment. He said the expectations do not bother him.
"I know our fans have a lot of expectations and hope, and I would be doing a disservice to myself and to the organization if I didn't feel like I am the guy," Sanders said, via Pro Football Talk. "I'm doing everything I need to prepare to be the best version of myself.
"With the circumstances, everything got sped up, and that's great. I like pressure. I'm excited for everything. I feel like I'm the guy. I know I'm the guy, but you just have to be able to see. The game has to speak."
Sanders replaced Dillon Gabriel in last week's loss to the Ravens and went 4-of-16 for 47 yards with an interception while taking two sacks. Gabriel remains in concussion protocol and will not play this week.
When Sanders starts on Sunday, he will become the 42nd quarterback to start a game for the Browns since 1999. He called that number "crazy," and this will be the third straight season Cleveland starts at least three quarterbacks.
"I'm my own biggest critic," Sanders said. "In certain situations, even that fourth down last week, I wish I would have extended the play. I don't listen to critics. I don't listen to anybody outside the organization or the family.
"Everybody has their own perspective, but they aren't out there doing it. I'm thankful to be in the present and to have this opportunity.
"Will there be mistakes? Of course, but we are trying to minimize them as much as possible."
