Browns lose to Saints 23-22 after Shedeur Sanders misses 2-point conversion

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders finished his first start of the season with a 23-22 loss to the New Orleans Saints, a result that left the team one play away from an overtime win. Sanders threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns without an interception, a total that ranks as his second-highest in eight career starts. The majority of that production came in the second half, as the rookie replaced Deshaun Watson, who was managing a concussion protocol.

The Browns trailed for most of the contest before Sanders sparked a late rally. With less than six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, he connected with KC Conception on a 64-yard touchdown pass to take a 13-9 lead. After New Orleans retaken the advantage, Sanders scrambled for 30 yards on a third down to set up a 51-yard field goal by Andre Szmyt that tied the game with eight seconds left on the clock.

The decisive moment arrived in overtime after the Saints scored on their opening drive. Sanders led the final Cleveland possession, completing six of his first eight passes. He found Denzel Boston on a crossing route to convert a third down before tight end Harold Fannin broke two tackles for a 39-yard touchdown. The Browns then faced a two-point conversion to take the lead, but Sanders' pass for Boston fell incomplete after he was pressured by edge rusher Carl Granderson.

Head coach Todd Monken praised Sanders' ability to perform under pressure, noting that the quarterback had not played with the starting unit in 10 weeks. Monken said he was proud of Sanders' week of practice and his big plays at the end of the game. Sanders credited his slow start to rust, acknowledging that he had to rebuild his rhythm after spending the first eight games in a backup role.

The game was marred by a minor pregame controversy when Sanders told reporters he had seen a lot while studying the Saints defense, adding that his smile meant something. Granderson said the comment felt disrespectful to the New Orleans defense, prompting the Saints to play with extra intensity. Sanders later clarified that he was not taking a shot at the opponent and apologized if his words were taken out of context.

When asked if the performance earned him a permanent starting job, Sanders declined to answer directly, calling the question a setup. He stated that he controls his own actions and wants to be a great teammate. The Browns now return to Cleveland, with Watson's status for the next game to be determined by the medical staff.