Orlovsky Discusses Sanders’ Situation with Browns

Dan Orlovsky weighed in on the evolving narrative around Shedur Sanders and his prospects with the Cleveland Browns.

ESPN pundits pushed back against claims that the organization is setting Sanders up for failure, especially as he prepares to start despite being a fifth-round pick and having minimal first-team practice reps.

“Everyone seems eager for Shedur to fail,” Orlovsky remarked in a video posted on X.

This prevailing opinion that the Browns might be placing Sanders at a disadvantage gained traction earlier this week, fueled by a tweet from Robert Griffin III, who had a brief stint with the team in 2016.

Griffin expressed his concerns just before the Browns confirmed that Sanders, son of NFL icon Deion Sanders, would be up against the Panthers on Friday.

“Shedur is set to fail in Cleveland,” Griffin tweeted. “But, you know, God has a way of intervening.”

Even Stephen A. Smith from ESPN echoed similar sentiments on “First Take,” stating that Sanders appears to be “set to fail.”

Louis Riddick, another ESPN analyst, stopped short of fully agreeing with Griffin but noted that Sanders is “skating uphill.”

Riddick also shared his concerns during an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up,” highlighting the challenges Sanders faces without enough practice reps to prepare adequately.

“It’s tough to put him on the field in a preseason game and expect him to perform at a high level when he hasn’t had enough time to get comfortable,” Riddick stated. “They’re anticipating him to figure everything out on the fly.”

Orlovsky, however, shifted the focus to the broader circumstances in Cleveland.

Joe Flacco, 40, who could be in line to start the regular season, isn’t expected to take the field for the preseason opener. Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett is dealing with a hamstring problem, and rookie Dilongabriel is sidelined as well.

This situation leaves Sanders as the most viable option for a start.

“Sure, Shedur may not have had many reps, but what’s the alternative in Cleveland?” Orlovsky argued. “It’s a chance for him, albeit not the most perfect one. Opportunities like this are rare for a fifth-round pick.”

How well Sanders performs could significantly impact the Browns’ quarterback strategy moving forward.

While it’s uncommon for NFL teams to have four quarterbacks on a 53-man roster, insider Adam Schefter reported that Cleveland is likely considering it.

As the season progresses, the team may look to trade one of their quarterbacks as injuries crop up, particularly as both Sanders and Gabriel develop further.

The Browns are scheduled to face the Bengals in their opening game on September 7th.