Shedeur Sanders nearly authored a dramatic finish in his first start of the year, but the Cleveland Browns fell 23-22 in overtime to the New Orleans Saints — their second straight loss.

The rookie quarterback's night followed an encouraging arc. After a slow beginning, his play sharpened as the game wore on, and he gave Cleveland genuine chances to win in the fourth quarter and overtime, per Yahoo Sports. The Browns came away pleased with the spot start despite the one-point margin, and the Associated Press reported Sanders took solace in how his play improved over the course of the game.

The result came with a side of controversy. A Saints star called out Sanders for a postgame act he labeled "disrespectful" — Yahoo Sports reported the 'It's disrespectful' charge without the specifics losing any heat — and a former Browns quarterback also weighed in on Sanders' performance afterward.

The larger question is whether the late-game poise earns Sanders a longer look. Cleveland's quarterback situation remains unsettled, and a near-comeback on the road makes a reasonable audition tape.