Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski recently addressed the quarterback situation following Shedeur Sanders’ impressive performance in his preseason debut. The young quarterback threw two touchdown passes against the Carolina Panthers, drawing attention and praise from sports figures, including LeBron James and South Carolina’s women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley. However, Stefanski did not clarify whether this performance would change Sanders’ position on the depth chart, where he sits behind veteran quarterbacks Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel.
Stefanski emphasized the importance of each quarterback’s development and mentioned that Sanders has areas to improve upon. “We have a standard for that position,” Stefanski stated, highlighting the expectations placed on quarterbacks in particular. While acknowledging that Sanders showed promise during the game, he noted the necessity for Sanders to refine his skills further. The coach reiterated that maximizing practice time is crucial for all players, including Sanders, who is eager to seize any opportunity to prove himself.
Despite the praise for his performance, Sanders was critical of his own play, admitting after the game that he felt he fell short of his own standards. He stressed the importance of winning over individual performance, stating, “Did I play up to par? No, I don’t feel like I did.” Sanders expressed confidence in his ability to improve and highlighted a mindset focused on performing well when given the chance.
In a playful exchange captured on social media, Sanders addressed concerns regarding his past interactions with journalists. Confronting ESPN reporter Tony Grossi, Sanders humorously pointed out that Grossi tends to focus on negative aspects of his performance. This light-hearted banter showcased Sanders’ readiness to engage with criticism, although it also reflected the scrutiny he faces from media figures as he tries to establish himself in the NFL.
Looking ahead, Stefanski indicated that Sanders would receive significant playing time in the upcoming preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, a vital opportunity for him to continue showcasing his abilities. Sanders experienced a surprising decline in draft stock, falling to the 144th pick due to character concerns raised by scouts, despite once being projected as a top pick, leading to widespread commentary and speculation.
Sanders’ time with the Browns has not been without controversy, as he has faced legal issues related to speeding incidents. General manager Andrew Berry has condemned these actions, stressing the importance of understanding the potential dangers of such behavior—not just for the player but for others on the road. Overall, the focus for Sanders remains on performance improvement and capitalizing on every opportunity in his pursuit of a starting role.
