Browns QB Shedeur Sanders' preseason debut proved this to former player

Sanders was electric in the first half against the Panthers, threading the needle in tight coverage and using his legs to make plays. Preseason or not, he played well enough to at least give himself a chance on a QB-heavy depth chart.

"If I were the Browns, he would be getting reps with the starters this week. I felt like going into the game if he played a certain way, that would be the case. He should (be) getting reps with the starters this week," Orlovsky said. "I always say it this way, 'prove to me you can't do it. Prove to me you can't do it and so far, he has not done that.'"

As someone who was listed as the fourth QB on Cleveland's first depth chart ahead of its preseason opener, Sanders was behind veteran Joe Flacco, offseason trade acquisition Kenny Pickett and third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel. With left hamstring injuries preventing Pickett and Gabriel from playing in the preseason opener, Sanders was thrust into the spotlight.

Sanders' composure in the pocket, as well as his accuracy and ability to extend plays with his legs, is something the Browns have been looking for. Since the franchise's reinstatement in 1999, QB play has been questionable to say the least, with multiple signal-callers from one year to the next.

As impressive as Sanders was on Friday, reports suggest that fans should not expect him to rise the depth chart just yet and that Flacco will presumably be the starter.

With that said, Sanders did more than enough in his debut to at least give himself a shot at competing for a backup role. As Pickett and Gabriel deal with some setbacks, the rest of the preseason is an excellent opportunity for Sanders to continue to prove his worth to the franchise and earn some more playing time.