Cleveland Browns Rookie Quarterback Shedeur Sanders Struggles in Preseason Finale
In the final preseason game on Saturday, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders likely found himself at the bottom of the Cleveland Browns’ depth chart. He entered the game during the third quarter, finishing with three completions out of six attempts for just 14 yards and suffered five sacks that resulted in a total loss of 41 yards. Ultimately, he was replaced by veteran Tyler Huntley after ending up with -27 yards in the game. Huntley then guided the Browns to a game-winning field goal, leading to a 19-17 victory against the Rams.
It was a stark contrast to Sanders’ performance in his first preseason game on August 8 against the Carolina Panthers, where he threw two touchdowns and garnered praise from fans and notable figures, including LeBron James.
However, many criticized the Browns’ coaching decisions, suggesting that the plays called put Sanders in a tough spot. Some fans expressed their frustration, questioning why he was not allowed to finish his final drive. Former NFL quarterback Derek Kerr commented on the situation, asking, “Why didn’t they let Shedeur run the two-minute drill? Isn’t it essential for a young QB to practice in those conditions?”
Sanders himself seemed surprised by his early exit, stating, “I was ready for those two-minute drives. It’s the sort of situation every quarterback dreams about.”
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski explained the decision to pull Sanders, noting, “We didn’t play well offensively in the second half,” and praised Huntley for his performance on that drive.
Sportstalk host Skip Bayless voiced his concerns about how the situation was handled, describing it as a setback for Sanders and expressing disappointment with the coaching strategies. Similarly, social media users echoed these sentiments, some speculating the Browns were not supportive of Sanders’ talent. One comment noted, “I hope Shedeur finds a team where the coach actually wants him.”
Conversely, some fans defended the Browns’ choices, arguing that the plays were tailored to fit the strengths of their roster. Another user mentioned that “taking a bad sack isn’t a conspiracy,” emphasizing the need for practical evaluations rather than conspiracy theories.
Interestingly, Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson raised eyebrows with comments suggesting that Sanders was overlooked deliberately during the draft, citing pressure from the NFL to avoid selecting him. Sanders, once considered a top candidate for the first overall pick, was ultimately taken by the Browns at the 144th spot. Now, he’s looking to establish his position as he starts his career low on the depth chart.
Despite the challenges, Sanders seems optimistic about his future with the team. When asked about the cut-downs ahead, he confidently replied, “I’m feeling good about things.”
