Shedeur Sanders delivered a standout performance in his debut, but the Cleveland Browns are not ready to say how it will affect the quarterback competition.
Sanders started on Friday against the Carolina Panthers. He played a solid chunk of the game, completing 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards and two very nice touchdown strikes. The Browns won the preseason tilt 30-10.
Sanders started but is the No. 4 quarterback on the depth chart. He sits behind veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. All three sat out against the Panthers.
Sanders has received no first-team reps in training camp. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski declined to say after the game if that’s going to change.
“Focused on developing our players. We’re in evaluation mode,” Stefanski said. “I’m not diving into the quarterback competition.
“Honestly, I’m pleased with the way Shedeur played. I’m pleased with the way the offense operated tonight. All things moving forward as we continue to practice will be focused on all of our guys’ development”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders ‘Thankful’ After Debut
Sanders said he didn’t feel a surge of adrenaline before the game, instead believing he was prepared for the moment. Still, he acknowledged there’s more work to be done.
“I wasn’t nervous. It was just getting comfortable. There’s plenty of game before I was nervous, but I knew the answers to the test. I know I’m ready for the moment,” Sanders said in his postgame press conference. “Did I play up to par? No, I don’t feel like I did. But, the main goal was to win.”
Stefanski echoed a similar sentiment.
“Pleased with Shedeur. Pleased with the offense. Not perfect,” Stefanski said. “Plenty that we can work on. But, I thought the guys did a really nice job…a ton to teach off of.”
Sanders’ draft slide — from a projected early first-round pick to the fifth round — has been well documented. He’s faced uncertainty since entering the league but is grateful for the chance he’s been given in Cleveland.
“Overall, I’m thankful. Thankful for the opportunity,” Sanders said. “Me coming in here, my vow is to make change and change was made. … Everybody believed.”
Shedeur Sanders Draws Praise From Celebrity Fans
Sanders’ big night will only make the calls for Sanders to earn the starting job louder. Some major names shouted out Sanders during the game, including LeBron James.
“That young [king] looking good out there!” James wrote on X, tagging Sanders. “Keep going UP!!! HEAD down on the grind and HEAD high to the most high
“And I don’t wanna hear that ‘It’s only preseason’ bs. Cause if he was out there not going in y’all would be on his (expletive) about it! So give credit and grace lames.”
Deion Sanders also sounded off during the game after Sanders found the end zone.
“Oh yeah what now!” Deion Sanders wrote on X.
The Browns will have an interesting week of practice ahead. Cleveland will take the field on August 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles for their next preseason game.
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