Sanders Throws for 297 Yards in Overtime Loss to Saints

Cleveland Browns quarterback Sheduer Sanders threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns on November 8, but his team lost 23-22 in overtime to the New Orleans Saints. The loss dropped the Browns to a 5-4 record in the 2026 season.

Sanders completed 19 of 31 pass attempts without an interception in his first start of the year. He became the first Browns quarterback to throw for over 250 yards, two scores, and no picks since Jameis Winston in 2024. Sanders is also the only quarterback in the league this season with multiple completions of 60 yards or more.

The offense found rhythm in the final minutes of regulation. Trailing 16-13 late in the fourth quarter, Sanders led a 41-yard, seven-play drive. A 30-yard pass to Jerry Jeudy, thrown while taking a hit from Saints defensive end Chase Young, set up a 51-yard field goal by Andre Szmyt to tie the game.

New Orleans took the opening possession of overtime and scored. Quarterback Tyler Shough drove 74 yards on 11 plays before connecting with Juwan Johnson for a touchdown. Sanders responded immediately with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Harold Fannin Jr. to tie the score at 22.

Browns head coach Todd Monken chose to attempt a two-point conversion rather than kick for a tie. The pass to rookie receiver Denzel Boston fell short. Boston finished with a career-best six catches for 98 yards, leading the league among first-year players in receiving yards.

Rookie KC Concepcion made his debut with a 64-yard touchdown catch that he extended for extra yardage. Boston and Concepcion became the only pair of rookies in 35 years to record 60-yard receptions in the same game.

Former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, a CBS Sports analyst, said Sanders should remain the starter. Cowher cited Sanders' resilience and ability to extend plays. Monken expressed pride in Sanders' development and noted that the starting decision remains a key discussion point, especially with Deshaun Watson sidelined by a concussion.