The Cleveland Browns will move forward with Shedeur Sanders as their starting quarterback for the remainder of the season, a decision solidified by his breakout four-touchdown performance against the Tennessee Titans.
Sanders made his fifth start in the matchup and nearly engineered a dramatic comeback. He finished with 364 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception, adding another score with his legs. It was a clear step forward for the rookie, who has steadily progressed with each appearance since taking over for Dillon Gabriel, who suffered a concussion in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Cleveland had been evaluating the position weekly, but head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Sanders will hold the job moving forward.
“I think all along with our quarterbacks and young players, you are always making sure that you’re making the right decisions for our guys. He has constantly and consistently gotten better in each one of these games,” Stefanski said. “How he’s approached these games, he’s working very hard. I feel good about where his development is heading. He knows there are always going to be plays that he can be better, but he’s very intentional about getting better each and every game.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Praised for Work Ethic
Sanders has climbed the depth chart step by step, benefiting from a few timely breaks but earning his rise through effort more than circumstance. Since arriving in Cleveland, he’s kept his head down and attacked every opportunity — showing up early for film study, squeezing in extra reps after practice, and doing whatever it took to get on the field.
“I’ve been really impressed by his work ethic from the moment he got here,” Stefanski said. “When they embrace it, that’s the fun part, when you see them making strides. He’s still very early in his career — and he’d tell you the same — you want constant improvement in everything you are doing. There are moments in these games that are hard to replicate in practice. You can talk through them on tape or in a walkthrough, then you get a rep in a game and that’s the most valuable learning tool you can have. He’ll take all of that and use it for his development moving forward.”
Sanders’ approach has also caught his teammates’ attention. Veterans like Myles Garrett and Joel Bitonio have praised Sanders for the work he has put in.
“I think he looked good. I mean, he came up big when we needed him to. There’s going to be some ups and downs for anyone, especially a rookie. But he went in there and he looked composed, he escaped out of some sacks, broke the pocket, made some big-time plays,” Garrett said after the loss to the Titans. “And just looking for him to continue to grow, looking for that clock to speed up a little bit, but it looks more and more at ease each week.”
Shedeur Sanders Embracing Journey With Browns
Sanders was a college star at Colorado but took a tumble in the draft to the fifth round. His once bright future in the NFL seemed uncertain and Sanders admitted it wasn’t easy. However, he’s embracing the journey it’s taken to get on the field.
“I’m comfortable being uncomfortable. That’s just kind of like the situation I’m in, and I’m fine with that — I love that,” Sanders said. “Because my story and everything inspires people to make sure, even if they’re in uncomfortable positions and situations, to stay on course, keep that mentally strong, and be able to push through adversity, knowing that you’ll be able to see the other side one day. So that’s kind of what it is.”
Sanders still isn’t fully settled. With two first-round selections looming in next year’s draft, the Browns are still evaluating whether he’s their long-term answer or if they’ll look to bring in another quarterback.
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