TL;DR
- Shedeur Sanders secured a Week 12 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, showcasing his signature swagger.
- Browns coach Kevin Stefanski named Sanders QB1 for Week 13, despite Dillon Gabriel being cleared.
- Sanders expressed a desire for continuous improvement, stating he is never comfortable and always aims to exceed expectations.
- Despite media portrayals, Sanders appears composed, modest, and genuinely prepared for his role with the Browns.
While Shedeur Sanders didn't defeat a top-tier league team in his first NFL start, he succeeded against the opponent presented. This victory came without the ease he experienced during his college career.
During the 24-10 Week 12 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, he displayed his signature swagger and self-assurance. He was throwing accurate deep passes while on the move, leaving Myles Garrett astonished, and he was engaging in banter with journalists post-game.
Even though Dillon Gabriel has been cleared from concussion protocol, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has designated Sanders as the new QB1, starting in Week 13 and continuing onward.
Naturally, some cantankerous old commentators griped about Sanders' remarks. One statement involved him saying something to the effect of, "Imagine what I could do with more than one week of practice." In a separate instance, he mentioned that he's aware many people wish for his downfall but asserted it “ain’t gonna happen."
These aren't exactly the most audacious or arrogant statements ever uttered by a young NFL star quarterback. And naturally, those were selected specifically to fit the story being told about the 23-year-old.
Listening completely to Sanders' comments after the game, delivered at the podium, reveals a remarkably composed and modest young football player. Sanders himself acknowledged that he’s “definitely not comfortable” still needs development within the offense.
“I'm definitely not comfortable though, so that's first and foremost that I have another opportunity to go out there. But in life, you got to understand how quickly things come or how long it comes, it could be taken at any point in time.”
Sanders doesn't foresee achieving complete comfort. If he were to, it would foster complacency, and the Sanders family heir consistently aims for further betterment.
“So I'm never comfortable in a situation I'm in. I always want to exceed expectations, and I always want to grow in each and every week, I would want to put a better product of myself, be a better version of myself for the team to be out there.”
This is a highly developed and supportive mindset for a young quarterback navigating the intense demands of both celebrity and the sport.
Shedeur Sanders' improved comfort leads to enhanced gameplay.
For those concerned about Sanders' performance in his initial NFL games, rest assured. Increased time spent with the playbook and his fellow players will lead to greater familiarity and a deeper comprehension of these elements. Consequently, Sanders will experience enhanced comfort within the offense as a whole.
“Day by day, minute by minute, meeting by meeting, of course. I'm getting a little bit more comfortable and comfortable in being in that role, being in that position. They're getting more comfortable with me, also. So I'm excited, I'm happy for it and I'm just thankful.”
Despite how many news organizations portray him as an arrogant and inexperienced young individual, hearing Sanders speak reveals his genuine preparedness for this situation.
The idea of prioritizing comfort over confidence might not be what many people envision when they think of Shedeur Sanders. However, that's precisely what the young man embodies.
We’ll see how much more comfortable Sanders is when his 3-8 Browns host the 8-4 San Francisco 49ers in Week 13.