The Cleveland Browns are open to giving Shedeur Sanders more opportunities as their starting quarterback, though one prominent insider has pointed out the odd behavior the team has displayed around its rookie passer.
Sanders will draw his second start in Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers. He won his starting debut last week, helping the Browns down the Las Vegas Raiders 24-10. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Browns will give Sanders an extended look as their starter, contingent on results.
“Sanders now has the opportunity not only to start again Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers but also to play well enough to continue earning starts for the rest of this season,” Schefter said. “This is the opportunity in front of Sanders. The Browns are open to playing him now, but they also are not rushing to any judgments. For now, they know he is their quarterback and he has another chance to gain more trust, silence more critics and prove he can be the Browns’ answer at quarterback.”
Florio: Browns Treatment of Shedeur Sanders ‘Just Odd’
It’s a straightforward directive for Sanders: play well and you’ll keep playing. But Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk argued that Cleveland’s overall handling of their rookie quarterback has felt off from the moment they drafted him at No. 144.
Florio noted that Sanders should represent a fresh source of hope for the franchise, particularly as the Browns continue to navigate the fallout from the Deshaun Watson trade and his $230 million contract, which still weighs heavily on the organization.
“While it’s kooky to say Sanders is being sabotaged, it’s not a stretch to say that something seems off. And when something seems off, that’s when imaginations run wild,” Florio said. “Whatever the reason for the Browns’ apparent attitude toward Sanders, it’s just odd. At a time when they’re still dealing with the ramifications of the single worst transaction of the salary cap era (if not ever), the Browns should allow themselves to view the glass as potentially eventually half full — not inevitably empty.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Clears Up Kevin Stefanski Relationship
Sanders shut down a question this week about the idea of him being “sabotaged” by Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. He also provided some insight into their relationship.
“Definitely like a coach,” Sanders said. “He tells me what I need to do on and off the field. We’ve definitely grown. Our relationship and everything has grown, so I’m just thankful to be here.”
The latest move drawing criticism for Stefanski came after Sunday’s win, when he opted not to give Shedeur Sanders the game ball following his victorious starting debut. Instead, the honor went to Myles Garrett, who earned it with three sacks while breaking his own franchise single-season record.
“Every game, you go into it trying to just highlight guys,” Stefanski said. “Myles [Garrett] got a game ball. I thought he was probably pretty worthy. But you’re just trying to constantly recognize your guys.
“Obviously, a rookie starting his first game on the road, getting a win is huge. So you acknowledge all that with your team.”
Sanders’ next test comes on Sunday against the 49ers. The Browns are 6.5-point underdogs in the matchup.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Browns Called Out for ‘Odd’ Shedeur Sanders Situation After Latest News appeared first on Heavy Sports.