The much-anticipated NFL debut of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has stirred plenty of discussion, especially around his performance metrics and the true measure of his impact on the field.

A former NFL quarterback recently offered an in-depth breakdown of Sanders’ first start, providing valuable insight into the nuances behind the stats and highlighting the promising signs amid the rookie growing pains.

One of the most surprising aspects of Sanders’ debut was his low quarterback rating (QBR) — a mere 8.7 — which left many scratching their heads.

The former QB explained that QBR is a complex metric that calculates a quarterback’s contribution to winning by factoring in not only individual play but also the defense, special teams, quality of opponent, and overall game context.

This means a quarterback can perform well on tape yet receive a low QBR if the defense or other factors heavily influence the outcome.

For Sanders, several elements hurt his QBR: the defense’s dominant performance with 10 sacks and holding the Raiders to just 10 points, plus two rushing touchdowns scored while he wasn’t on the field.

These contributions by teammates reduce the quarterback’s share of credit in the QBR formula.

Additionally, the Raiders’ weak defense further lowered the value of his performance in this metric.

The former NFL player also pointed out that QBR doesn’t account for leadership, confidence, or the intangible spark Sanders brought to the team — qualities that are vital but invisible in statistics.

Sanders’ first interception was dissected as a key learning opportunity rather than a failure. The defensive play was exceptional, and the quarterback’s read was nearly perfect.

The interception came on a complex double spot concept against a rotated safety, where Sanders anticipated cover two but faced a disguised coverage.

The defender’s quick reaction to retrace and intercept the pass highlighted the steep learning curve for a rookie facing NFL-caliber defenses.

The former QB emphasized the importance of refining mechanics, such as planting and anchoring on the back foot before throwing, to improve timing and anticipation.

Among Sanders’ best plays was a rollout pass to Jerry Judy, where he displayed excellent pocket awareness and composure under pressure.

Despite losing outside contain, Sanders kept his eyes downfield and delivered a precise throw, showcasing his ability to adapt on the move.

His most impressive moment came on a 55-yard completion to Isaiah Bond, executed while scrambling under heavy pressure.

Sanders recognized the defensive formation pre-snap, anticipated the blitz, and maneuvered skillfully to buy time.

The throw demonstrated remarkable arm strength and accuracy, especially considering he was moving laterally rather than downhill, which makes generating torque more difficult.

This play was a testament to Sanders’ preparation and mental approach, as he said in interviews that he mentally rehearsed the game all week to build confidence.

The former NFL player criticized the offensive play calling, noting that Sanders was given very few red zone passing reps, limiting his experience in critical scoring situations.

Instead, the team relied on Wildcat formations and rushing touchdowns by other players, which, while effective, did not help develop Sanders’ skills in high-pressure passing scenarios.

Additionally, the play calling on early downs was often inefficient, with many runs resulting in losses and putting Sanders in difficult third-down situations.

Improving early-down success and giving Sanders more opportunities to throw on first and second downs would help establish rhythm and reduce pressure.

While Sanders showed great poise rolling to his left, the former QB advised that he should be encouraged to roll to his right, his natural throwing side, to enhance comfort and effectiveness.

He noted some missed opportunities on deep routes where Sanders’ eyes were not fully focused downfield, an area for improvement.

Despite these minor flaws, Sanders’ accuracy, especially on throws made on the run under duress, was praised as “deadly accurate,” dispelling doubts about his arm talent.

Beyond individual plays, the former NFL QB highlighted Sanders’ intangible qualities: supreme confidence, command of the offense, and the ability to inspire teammates.

He noted how the defense, including stars like Miles Garrett, rallied around Sanders, signaling the growing respect and belief within the team.

This kind of leadership synergy between offense and defense is rare, especially for a rookie quarterback, and bodes well for Sanders’ future.

The analysis also touched on the critical role of coaching in Sanders’ development.

He currently plays for a coaching staff that reportedly was not fully behind his selection, which could limit the support and opportunities he receives.

The former QB stressed the need for Sanders to have a dedicated, locked-in offensive coordinator who believes in him and can tailor the offense to his strengths.

Comparisons were made to other young quarterbacks who flourished when paired with the right coaching guru, underscoring how much a quarterback’s success depends on the surrounding system and mentorship.

Shedeur Sanders’ first NFL start was a mix of impressive highs and teachable moments, reflected in a statistical QBR that doesn’t fully capture his impact.

His poise, arm strength, and football IQ stood out, while the areas for improvement — mechanics, play calling, and red zone experience — are typical for a rookie adjusting to the NFL’s pace and complexity.

With the right coaching support and more opportunities to develop, Sanders has the potential to become a formidable NFL quarterback.

His debut showed flashes of the “win ability” that made him a standout in college, and the football world will be watching closely as he continues to grow and lead his team.