Shedeur Sanders has climbed quickly from a crowded quarterback room to the top of Cleveland’s depth chart, yet he refuses to view the job as secure. The rookie has emphasized that he is focused only on the upcoming matchup with Chicago, saying,
“My focus right now is the team we’re playing ahead, the Bears… I’m thankful for it, but I’m not content with my situation with everything.”
His rise began after he entered training camp as the fourth option, moved up following two trades, and stepped in when Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion.
His best outing came against Tennessee when he delivered 364 passing yards, three touchdown throws, and a rushing score, joining Joe Burrow as the only rookies with at least 350 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown in a single game.
Cleveland still fell 31-29 to a two-win Titans team led by fellow rookie Cam Ward.
Sanders later told Ward he cannot think past the next game, explaining that his job is to “control what I can control” by making sound decisions and staying steady through mistakes.
The Bears present a challenge with a defense that leads the league with 18 interceptions, and coach Kevin Stefanski said the rookie has been “committed to getting better every single week.”
Sanders’ mindset, off schedule talent, and growing chemistry could shift Cleveland’s season
Sanders has earned trust inside the building by improving both in structure and when breaking free of the play design. Stefanski noted that his quarterback thrives when extending plays and that the staff wants to support that ability while still helping him operate in rhythm.
Sanders believes the offense grows when everyone buys in, saying,
“Building that foundation, building that trust. So when everything, when I trust, then you get the best out of me.”
His receivers have echoed that confidence. Jerry Jeudy said having one quarterback for the remainder of the year should help with timing and consistency. The chemistry was evident during the win over the Raiders and in two consecutive touchdown drives against Tennessee.
Sanders has put a strong emphasis on footwork, explaining that it connects to timing and trust, and credited recent progress to being aligned with his teammates.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Benefited with 114 receiving yards on eight catches. Sanders added,
“I’m just thankful that we built those relationships that quickly… But we’re not content.”
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