Cleveland Browns’ Joe Thomas Offers Insights on Shedeur Sanders

Joe Thomas, a legendary figure with the Cleveland Browns, shared his thoughts on Shedeur Sanders following his performance in the final preseason game. Sanders, unfortunately, had a tough outing while playing with the third-string players against the Los Angeles Rams. He entered the third quarter, completing three out of six passes for just 14 yards and was sacked five times, totaling a loss of 41 yards.

Despite the challenges he faced, some Sanders advocates critiqued the coaching staff’s decisions. However, during a recent segment on Outkick’s “Don’t @ with Dan Dakich,” Thomas defended Sanders. “It’s complicated,” he remarked, pushing back against the notion that Sanders is being hindered.

While acknowledging the fervor among Sanders’ supporters, Thomas noted that some fans seem to inflate expectations. They insist that he’s the best quarterback since Tom Brady and ready to take the franchise to a Super Bowl. Thomas, though optimistic about Sanders’ potential, believes he still has significant room for growth before becoming a starting player in the NFL.

“He certainly has a higher ceiling. There’s no doubt he’s a playmaker, and his accuracy is impressive,” Thomas added. He recognized that rookie quarterbacks often face considerable pressure, hinting at the struggle many encounter in their first season.

Despite concerns, Thomas dismissed any idea that there’s a conspiracy against Sanders. He emphasized that in the competitive realm of the NFL, all teams aim to win, rendering sabotage unlikely. “They want dynamic personalities that can elevate the league, not undermine them,” he stated.

As it stands, Sanders is listed as the third-string quarterback. Joe Flacco is expected to start in Week 1 when the Browns take on the Cincinnati Bengals, with Dillon Gabriel serving as the backup.