Shedeur Sanders productive, Browns defense dominating vs. Raiders – Terry Pluto’s Halftime Scribbles

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Scribbles in my notebook as the Browns lead the Raiders 14-3 at halftime:

1. It was a strong first half for rookie Shedeur Sanders, who completed 7 of 11 passes for 127 yards. Sanders gave the Browns something they’ve needed this season – some big gains on passing plays. The Browns defense dominated the Raiders with five first-half sacks.

2. The first quarter was a coach’s dream for the Browns. Start with the beleaguered special teams. Rookie Gage Larvadain returned a punt 44 yards for the Browns, to help set up a TD. That came when Quinshon Judkins scored out of the Wildcat formation, taking a direct snap from center and running 8 yards into the end zone.

3. The Browns defense ripped up the Las Vegas offensive line the first quarter. The Browns sacked QB Geno Smith twice – once by Maliek Collins and once by Shelby Harris. The Browns kept bringing lots of pressure. Collins had another sack in the second quarter. Myles Garrett had a sack. Devin Bush also had a sack.

4. In the first quarter, Sanders faced a rush and rolled out to his right. He spotted rookie Isaiah Bond behind all of the Raiders’ defensive backs. Throwing on the run, Sanders delivered an excellent pass to Bond, who caught it for a 52-yard gain.

5. Bond’s big catch was Cleveland’s first pass play in 15 games for more than 50 yards.

6. The Browns scored their second TD the same way they scored the first: Judkins in the Wildcat, scoring from 2 yards out. They had their first 14-0 lead of the season at the end of the first quarter.

7. Sanders also delivered a superb pass to Jerry Jeudy for 39 yards. But Jeudy was sort of jogging – or something. He didn’t see the Raiders defender coming, and the ball was knocked out of Jeudy’s hands. Las Vegas recovered the fumble.

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