Shedeur Sanders finally got his shot to show what he can do on an NFL field, but the rookie quarterback failed to rise and meet the challenge.
The Cleveland Browns held a 16-10 lead heading into the locker room, emerging for the second half absent starter Dillon Gabriel due to his entrance into the league’s concussion protocol. Sanders connected on just 25 percent of his 16 passes for 47 yards and an interception. He also rushed the football three times for 16 yards and fumbled once, though the Browns recovered.
Had Sanders been able to shine in his debut, he could have potentially put enough pressure on head coach Kevin Stefanski and forced his hand into making a permanent change under center. The crowd at Huntington Bank Field made that much clear, absolutely erupting upon Sanders’ entrance into the game in the second half. Fans and media throughout Northeast Ohio have called for Sanders to play over the last several weeks, and he had a real chance to build some momentum moving forward.
However, after the game ended, Stefanski confirmed that Gabriel will get his job back as QB1 as soon as he is healthy enough to do so.
“But a lot goes into that,” Stefanski said of clearing concussion protocol and the prospects of Gabriel returning to the lineup for next week’s outing against the Las Vegas Raiders. “So, we’ll see.”
GettyCleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Stefanski was not complimentary of Sanders’ play, though said the team has faith in the 23-year-old QB.
“We trust our guys to perform. He’s no different,” Stefanski said. “And playing a backup QB role … that’s tough to come in there. But we trust him. I know there’s things that he’s gonna want to do better, but that’s why we work.”
A reporter asked Stefanski to talk about what, if any, improvements Sanders has made during practice over the last several weeks, as a topic of conversation following the game was that the coaching staff had not afforded Sanders any reps with the first-team offense all season long.
Gabriel was getting some first-team work when Joe Flacco was the starter through the first month of the campaign, though Stefanski did not afford Sanders the same work as QB2 once Cleveland elevated Gabriel to the starting role ahead of Week 5.
“Shedeur has made unbelievable strides in the meeting room, on the practice field,” Stefanski said. “I know he wants to be better, and he will be better.”
GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
The Browns will presumably prepare for the Raiders as though Sanders will start, as Gabriel’s health will remain a question mark for the next several days at least.
That means putting together a game plan that plays to Sanders’ strengths. It also means he will get regular reps with the first-team offense for the first time in his NFL career.
“I don’t think I played good at all,” Sanders said. “There’s a lot of things we need to look at during the week and go and just get comfortable even throwing routes, you know, with Jerry [Jeudy] and throwing routes with all those guys. I think that was my first ball to him all year.”
Sanders laughed and smiled following his comment about not throwing to Jeudy all season, which read like a subtle shot at the coaching staff for keeping Sanders off of the first-team for the last six-plus months since drafting him.
But Sanders went on to express gratitude for the opportunity to play for the first time since leaving the collegiate ranks.
“The thing that I was excited about is just being able to get out there,” Sanders continued. “It was the first time I got hit since my last game at Colorado, so just having that feeling back, ya know, is good.”
In a move that has taken the NFL world by surprise, Maxx Crosby, the dominant defensive force for the
49ers See Crosby as a Key Piece to Complete Their Defense
The San Francisco 49ers, who have made significant strides in recent seasons, are ready to take the next step in their pursuit of a championship. With a high-powered offense led by
According to sources close to the situation, the 49ers have put together an irresistible deal for Crosby, which includes a substantial salary increase and a key role in their defense. The
Crosby and Bosa: A Fearsome Duo for San Francisco
If Crosby joins the 49ers, he would form an elite pass-rush combination with Nick Bosa that could be the cornerstone of
The addition of Crosby would not only bolster the 49ers’ pass rush but also provide veteran leadership to an already highly skilled defense. Crosby’s experience in high-pressure situations and his ability to elevate the play of those around him would be invaluable for a team looking to make a deep playoff run. Pairing him with Bosa would give the 49ers the type of defensive leadership that could help them become one of the most feared units in the NFL.
Crosby’s Chance to Shine in San Francisco
For Crosby, joining the 49ers would provide the opportunity to be a part of a team poised to compete for a Super Bowl in the near future. The 49ers have been one of the most dominant teams in recent years, and the addition of Crosby would solidify their defense, making them an even more complete team. With an offense that has already proven capable of putting up points and a defense that would now feature Crosby, Bosa, and emerging playmakers like Fred Warner, the 49ers would be a formidable force in the NFC.
San Francisco’s Path to Super Bowl Contention
The 49ers have been a Super Bowl contender in recent seasons, and adding Crosby to their already impressive defense could be the move that pushes them over the top. With their current trajectory, the 49ers are ready to make a serious push for the playoffs and beyond. Adding Crosby would take their defense to the next level, providing them with a proven game-changer who can dominate on the edge and disrupt any offense.
As Crosby’s trade request heats up, the 49ers are in prime position to make a splash. If they can secure Crosby’s services, it would make San Francisco a legitimate threat in the NFC, not just for this season but for the future as well. Crosby’s addition could be the key to taking the 49ers from playoff contenders to Super Bowl champions.
The Big Question: Will Crosby Join the 49ers?
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes are on Maxx Crosby and whether he will stay with the Raiders or choose to sign with a team that has a bright future and Super Bowl aspirations. If the 49ers can land Crosby, their defense would be transformed, and they would be an even more dangerous team come playoff time.
Maxx Crosby’s trade saga is one of the most exciting stories of the NFL season, and the 49ers are making it clear they want to be a part of the action. Stay tuned—this could be the move that propels San Francisco back into the playoffs and sets them up for a Super Bowl run.