Shedeur Sanders got his first taste of failure in the NFL but some critics are theorizing he was sabotaged.
Sanders went 3-of-6 for 14 yards, a turnover, and five sacks in his home debut in Cleveland versus the Rams but with his first action coming in the second half, some blamed the dud performance on the players around him.
The onus would then fall on Stefanski, the person who decides when the quarterbacks will play. Against the Rams he gave starter Joe Flacco the first few drives, let rookie Dillon Gabriel finish out the half (12-of-19, 129 yards, one touchdown), and then put in Sanders to start the third quarter.
"I blame [Kevin] Stefanksi for how he's handled this whole situation."@FBallGameplan on Kevin Stefanski not allowing Shedeur Sanders to 'redeem himself' against the Rams. pic.twitter.com/tZl5Sf8nCB
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) August 24, 2025
Stefanski was asked about the narrative that he is sabotaging Sanders and denied any speculative claims that he wanted to hinder the rookie's development.
"I'm committed to his development just like all of our rookies," Stefanski said. "We'll continue to focus on getting our guys better... that's what's important to me."
It's the right answer especially from a coach known for his work with quarterbacks. Stefanski gave Sanders reps with more starters in the preseason matchup against Carolina and the Colorado product responded with 138 yards and two touchdowns.
It's a fair point that there are only so many reps in a given game and the coach has to give both Gabriel and Sanders opportunities to show what they can do. Through three preseason matchups both rookies have had highs and lows.
Now with cuts just days away Browns fans will wait to see who makes the final 53-man roster.
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