The Cleveland Browns are releasing a web series documenting their quarterback competition, but the move has drawn criticism from fans.
The team announced the first episode of “Man Under Center” on Friday, promoting it with the message: “The QB battle is heating up, and we’re taking you behind the scenes in the brand new series, Man Under Center.”
The Browns’ decision to turn the competition into content struck many as tone-deaf, given the uncertainty surrounding the position. Cleveland is having an “open” competition that includes veteran Joe Flacco, 40, former first-round pick Kenny Pickett and rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
“Oh we’re rostering 5 QBs to develop content instead of playmakers,” one fan said.
“As a Cleveland resident, haven’t the people been through enough? Stop this madness!” another wrote.
Much of the conversation centered on Sanders, a fifth-round pick who was once projected as an early first-round selection before a surprising draft slide landed him in Cleveland. He impressed in his preseason debut, throwing for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
“This is cringe. Now y’all capitalizing off your ignorant draft process and shunning of a first-round talent taken in the fifth. Have y’all been cultivating this drama all along, for this series?” a fan commented.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Will Not Play Second Preseason Game
For what it’s worth, the series did give some valuable insight from all the quarterbacks, particularly Sanders, as he prepared for his first career NFL action.
“Taking the field for the first time — it was a bunch of different emotions. I’d say that’s the least worried I ever felt in my life. I didn’t feel those nerves,” Sanders said. “If I put my mind to something, I know I’m able to achieve it and within any given moment. That’s my mentality going into it.”
Sanders had some significant momentum following his first preseason outing. However, he suffered an oblique injury this week in practice that will keep him out of the team’s second preseason game on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Sanders was slated for ‘a ton of reps’ in the Eagles game until he strained the oblique muscle. Kevin Stefanski said the Browns would be very careful with him because of the nature of the injury and it’s impact on a thrower, but the Browns are hopeful he can get back on the field next week,” Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com said.
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel Expected to Face Eagles
With Sanders, Pickett and Flacco likely sidelined for the second preseason game, all eyes will shift to Gabriel against the Eagles. He’ll step into a spotlight similar to the one Sanders had a week earlier.
Gabriel missed time at the start of the month with a hamstring injury but returned to full practice this week. The Browns will give him a final evaluation before kickoff, though he’s expected to get the starting nod.
Veteran Tyler Huntley, the fifth quarterback on the roster, isn’t expected to factor into the competition. Still, he’ll have a chance to put some valuable reps on tape as he auditions for opportunities elsewhere in the league.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Browns Taking Heat Over QB Announcement appeared first on Heavy Sports.