The Cleveland Browns are 1-2, which is a better start than some could have predicted coming into the 2025 season.
Most analysts expected this to be a rebuilding year, where the Browns would grit it out every week and look to give their rookie quarterbacks, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, opportunities to showcase their abilities.
While the former Oregon standout, Gabriel, has had the opportunity to get some garbage-time reps, Sanders has been the emergency third-string quarterback for the first three games and, for all intents and purposes, has been inactive.
Shedeur Sanders Says He's Capable of Being an NFL Starter
Sanders made quite the statement this week when asked by ESPN Cleveland about his current mindset.
"I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that," Sanders told the media.
"... I know it's not God's plan right now. ... Some things happen for a reason, I'm a believer in that, and whatever his plan is for me, I believe in it. So I don't stress or feel bad that I'm in the situation I'm in right now but...it's just funny to me and I enjoy it."
While the former Colorado Buffalo didn't name any of his Browns teammates, they're technically included in "quarterback play around the league."
Clearly, the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft feels he's ready to play now.
While Gabriel, the former Oregon standout and current backup behind Joe Flacco, will get the first shot at the starting gig once the veteran gets benched or injured, Sanders is expected to also get a chance late in the season.
More Oregon news:
- Chargers' Justin Herbert gets an apology from one of his loudest critics
- Analyst urges Browns not to start Dillon Gabriel until after this opponent
- Bengals trade idea acquires former first-round pick to bolster offensive line
- Browns predicted to replace Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders with new quarterback in 2026
- Giants trade idea ships out former first-round pick for Jaxson Dart support