Cleveland Browns Stick with Shedeur Sanders as Starting Quarterback
The Cleveland Browns have decided to stick with Shedeur Sanders as their starting quarterback for the last four games of the 2025 season. Coach Kevin Stefanski shared with reporters that Sanders, who has started the previous three matches, has shown “steady improvement” since taking over after rookie Dillon Gabriel sustained a concussion in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens.
“He’s putting in a lot of effort, and I’m pleased with his growth,” Stefanski commented on Sanders. “He recognizes there are moments where he can improve, and he’s quite deliberate about trying to enhance his performance every game.”
Sanders helped the Browns secure their third win of the season against the Las Vegas Raiders, marking him as the first Browns quarterback to win in his inaugural start. In his initial home match against the San Francisco 49ers, he completed a season-best 64% of his passes, though the team couldn’t clinch an impressive win.
During his third consecutive start against the struggling Tennessee Titans in challenging weather, Sanders led the team to a narrow 31-29 victory. However, a controversial moment occurred when he was substituted during a crucial two-point conversion attempt. This happened right after he had thrown a touchdown pass to tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Fans were left questioning the decision when Stefanski opted for a wildcat formation led by rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, a play that ultimately fell flat.
Some commentators were critical of the decision. Shannon Sharpe mentioned on social media that the Browns ought to reconsider their strategy, particularly when it comes to critical situations like goal-line stands. Meanwhile, Skip Bayless didn’t hold back after the game, suggesting that it might be time for the coaching staff to make some key changes, stating that it was baffling to pull Sanders in favor of a wildcat when he had just executed a clutch touchdown pass.
Despite the game’s outcome, Sanders performed admirably, going 23-for-42 with 364 yards and three touchdowns while also recording his first rushing touchdown.
Looking ahead, the Browns are gearing up to face the Chicago Bears in Week 15, followed by matchups against the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers, before wrapping up the season against the Cincinnati Bengals.
