The internet's response to Shedeur Sanders' inaugural NFL start

Jason Jones

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The internet reacts to Shedeur Sanders first NFL start image

TL;DR

  • Shedeur Sanders is set to start as quarterback, a rare opportunity after months of uncertainty.
  • He has observed veteran quarterbacks and gained valuable practice time with the first-string players.
  • The Browns organization's secrecy created fan speculation about Sanders' chances.
  • Sanders is expected to perform capably, supported by a strong team, not needing to be a superstar.

Shedeur Sanders has a chance to achieve something unprecedented in three decades, potentially altering his career path entirely. The NFL Draft was a sham, a fact any seasoned draft observer would attest to. What transpired during offseason camps and the preseason was not a normal occurrence. It could be argued that the situation was poorly managed. A quarterback competition involving four players is highly unusual, particularly when two of them are rookies.

During the initial phase of summer camps, a significant number of supporters felt the draft demonstrated a lack of respect. Many used the expression, “the apology needs to be as loud as the disrespect”. Although that's a pleasant-sounding phrase, it's not genuine. I've never encountered anyone who felt wronged and received an apology as significant as the perceived disrespect. Nevertheless, that was the prevailing sentiment for several months.

There's been a persistent feeling that Shedeur might not get an opportunity to compete, stemming from various factors such as no movement on the offseason depth chart (note: Stefanski doesn't update depth charts until league-mandated), insufficient practice time with the first-string players, or the belief that Sanders faced an uphill battle.

The Browns organization maintains extreme secrecy, with information only released at their discretion. This approach is quite similar to Belichick's. Stefanski avoids revealing his plans, and Andrew Berry is known for his evasive responses. Despite this, fans spent months attempting to interpret their statements or accept them literally, a practice any seasoned Browns supporter would have advised against.

Shedeur is in a perfect scenario. He had the chance to attend meetings and observe a potential Hall of Famer (Flacco) alongside the less experienced Kenny Pickett. He also witnessed Dillon Gabriel's difficulties in throwing the ball deep. He's now the starting quarterback heading into week 12. There's no shortage of first-team practice opportunities or claims of not being given a fair chance, as he's held the starting role since the week commenced. For those who noticed the “Any Given Sunday” similarities, they are unfolding exactly as predicted.

While not needing to emulate Willie Beamen from the start, Shedeur simply needs to project the image of a starting NFL quarterback. The most common misunderstanding regarding the Browns' quarterback needs is the belief they require another Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes. This isn't the case. They require Shedeur to perform as he has, enabling this endeavor to evolve significantly. Supported by a strong running game and a top-tier defense, Shedeur's primary task is to appear capable and be productive. The situation doesn't demand a repeat of Colorado's 2023 performance against TCU.

A wide range of fans are eagerly anticipating Shedeur's debut as a starter. Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees has devised a strategy tailored for Shedeur, and experienced players on the squad have shown clear signs of backing him. The following highlights some of the online buzz concerning Shedeur's inaugural start.

Editorial Team