Sports · Football · 5 hrs ago
Shedeur Sanders throws two touchdowns in Browns' overtime loss to Saints
Shedeur Sanders started at quarterback for Cleveland against the New Orleans Saints after Deshaun Watson missed most of the week in concussion protocol and was inactive.
Sanders completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns in his first start of the 2026 season.
The Browns lost 23-22 in overtime after Sanders threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Harold Fannin Jr., then missed a pass on the two-point try.
Sanders had a quiet first three quarters, but helped lead Cleveland back late and set up a game-tying field goal in the fourth quarter.
Coach Todd Monken praised Sanders' effort but declined to say whether he had earned a longer run as the starter.
Watson cleared concussion protocol on Saturday, so the Browns still have a choice between the two quarterbacks.
Cleveland hosts the Texans next Sunday, and Monken said there should be more clarity on the quarterback plans in the coming days.
Shedeur Sanders threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns in his first 2026 start, but the Cleveland Browns lost 23-22 to the New Orleans Saints in overtime.
His 39-yard touchdown pass to Harold Fannin Jr. put Cleveland ahead 23-22 in overtime.
Sanders’ pass on the ensuing two-point conversion fell incomplete, allowing the Saints to win.
Browns coach Todd Monken praised Sanders but declined to discuss whether he would remain the starter.
Sanders started after Deshaun Watson missed most of the week in concussion protocol and was inactive for the game.
- Who
- The Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints. Shedeur Sanders started at quarterback for Cleveland.
- What
- The Saints beat the Browns 23-22 in overtime. Sanders threw two touchdowns.
- When
- Sunday, November 8, 2026.
- Where
- New Orleans.
- Why
- The Saints won after Sanders’ pass on Cleveland’s overtime two-point conversion fell incomplete.
Analysts calling for Sanders to start
Todd Monken
Starting quarterback
Analysts calling for Sanders to start
Bill Cowher said Sanders should be Cleveland’s starter and that the team should move forward with him.
Todd Monken
Monken praised Sanders but said he was “not getting into” quarterback questions.
Deshaun Watson suffered a concussion during the Browns’ loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Sanders started against the Saints after Watson was inactive.
Sanders led a 41-yard drive that set up Andre Szmyt’s 51-yard field goal to tie the game.
Saints quarterback Tyler Shough led a touchdown drive, then Sanders threw a 39-yard touchdown to Fannin Jr.
Sanders’ two-point conversion pass fell incomplete, and the Saints won 23-22.
- Final score
- Saints 23, Browns 22 (OT)
- Sanders’ passing line
- 19 of 31 for 297 yards and two touchdowns
- Overtime touchdown
- 39-yard pass to Harold Fannin Jr.
- Game-tying field goal
- Andre Szmyt, 51 yards
- Saints quarterback
- Tyler Shough
7 sources
Source: Browns returning to Watson as QB1 despite Sanders' strong fill-in start
Todd Monken "proud" of Shedeur Sanders, "not getting into" QB questions
How Shedeur Sanders fared in first 2026 start: Browns QB shines late vs. Saints
Five reasons Shedeur Sanders should remain Browns starting QB over Deshaun Watson
NFL Highlights: Saints 23, Browns 22 (OT)
What people are saying
I’m really proud of him and how hard he’s worked since I’ve been here
I’m not getting into quarterback
Shedeur Sanders should be the starter for this football team.
Posts on X
"Shedeur Sanders should be the starter for this football team. He's gonna be the future." @CowherCBS loved what he saw from the @Browns young QB despite their loss 🔥
Game over in New Orleans.
39 YARD TD FOR THE YAC KING HAROLD FANNIN! #CLEvsNO on CBS