CLEVELAND — The Browns didn’t just win their opener — they unveiled a rookie class that looked like the future of the franchise.
On defense, newly signed free agent EDGE Fadil Diggs wasted no time making an impact, racking up two sacks in his debut. In the secondary, rookie safety Donovan McMillan, who climbed the depth chart with a strong preseason, rewarded the coaching staff’s trust with a clutch interception in his first start. Meanwhile, linebacker Carson Schwesinger stole the spotlight, snagging two interceptions, including a momentum-shifting pick-six that had the Dawg Pound roaring.
The offense was just as explosive. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders looked calm, sharp, and every bit like the Browns’ quarterback of the future. Sanders nearly played a perfect game, completing 14 of 15 passes for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns. Behind him, rookie running back Dylan Sampson bulldozed through the defense, rushing for over 100 yards and 2 scores, giving Cleveland a balanced attack that kept their opponent on its heels.
For a franchise eager to turn the page, this rookie group gave fans plenty to believe in. If Week 1 is any indication, the Browns may have just found their next core of stars — on both sides of the ball.