Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is catching heat for his postgame locker-room speech in Las Vegas, where he rattled off praise for nearly every unit — and even delivered a profanity-laced tribute to Myles Garrett — but barely acknowledged rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders after his first NFL start.
Sanders led the team to a 24-10 victory, passing for 209 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The win snapped a three-game losing skid for the Browns and Sanders became the first Cleveland rookie quarterback to win in their debut since 1995.
But Sanders got just a quick mention from Stefanski as he reeled off highlights from the game.
“How about that road win?” Stefanski said. “We stayed resilient together and we fought together. How about Gage (Lavardain’s) big return on special teams? How about Corey (Bojorquez) pinning those guys deep every single time and doing his job? Offense wasn’t perfect, but how about that big play by (Dylan Sampson) at the end? … Then another rookie making his first start, nice job Shedeur.”
Stefanski then rightly recognized the defense and Garrett for their dominant performance.
“There’s that old saying, save the best for last — how about that (expletive) defense. Holy (expletive) is what I have to say about that. Ten sacks by our defense!” Stefanski said before giving the game ball to Garrett. “I got a guy, he had a cold this week, wasn’t feeling like himself. He got three sacks, which gives him 18 on the season through 11 games. He breaks his own Browns’ record — Myles Garrett.”
Browns Fans Take Notice of Shedeur Sanders’ Mention
The defense deserved every bit of praise, but fans were quick to point out that Stefanski barely acknowledged Sanders’ role and didn’t give the rookie QB a game ball despite his first NFL win as a starter.
“Damn dude, at least pretend to care about your QB for the cameras at the very least,” one fan said.
“Your rookie QB accomplished something the team hasn’t seen in 30 years and wasn’t given props for it. Idgaf if you’re a Shedeur or (Dillon Gabriel) guy. That deserves recognition and a game ball,” another fan said.
“Man if this doesn’t tell you what he thinks of Sanders I don’t know what will,” a fan added. “Literal two seconds of shine and not even a game ball on a win in his first start. That’s wild.”
The move from Stefanski also drew the ire of former NFLers Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe.
“Of course, he doesn’t get no game ball. That wasn’t his pick. They don’t want him to succeed,” Johnson said on Nightcap. “The head coach’s guy is Dillon Gabriel.”
“Shedeur played his (expletive) off,” Sharpe added. “I thought he was very good with his eyes and very good with his feet. Everything was attached. And that’s all you got for the man?”
Browns Don’t Name Shedeur Sanders Starting QB
The Browns suddenly have a real decision to make at quarterback. Dillon Gabriel is expected to be cleared from his concussion soon, and the team has indicated he’d reclaim the starting job once he returns.
After Sunday’s win, Stefanski did not want to get into the starting quarterback conversation.
“I’m not going to get into that. Obviously proud of him and proud of this offense. … But I’m just going to worry about today,” Stefanski said. “I’m always going to take my time and do what’s best for the football team.”
The Browns were 1-5 with Gabriel as the starter. He did very little to establish himself and failed to make an impact. Cleveland will host the San Francisco 49ers next week.
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