The debut of Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has sparked a wave of excitement among fans, but it also revealed a critical truth about his readiness to lead the team. It's a tale of high expectations meeting the realities of the game. Let's dive in.
Published: Nov. 17, 2025
When Sanders first stepped onto the field, Browns fans erupted in support, mirroring his signature celebration. But as the game unfolded, and Sanders was repeatedly pressured, a stark reality emerged: He wasn't quite ready, despite the fans' eagerness.
During the Browns' loss to the Ravens, Sanders' performance highlighted the concerns coach Kevin Stefanski had been quietly addressing. In the second half, he completed only 4 out of 16 passes for a mere 47 yards. He took two sacks, costing the Browns valuable yardage, and committed an intentional grounding penalty, further hindering the team's progress.
If you've followed draft analysis, you might recognize these issues. Sanders' pre-draft scouting reports noted his tendency to backpedal excessively and hold onto the ball for too long, often taking unnecessary hits. The reports also highlighted the difficulty he might face adapting to the speed of the NFL.
Sanders' history of taking sacks in college is also telling. As a senior at Colorado, he led the nation in sacks taken. While some might attribute this to a weak offensive line, the impact of sacks on a team's performance is undeniable.
In 2023, The Washington Post found that sacks were becoming more detrimental than interceptions. Broncos coach Sean Payton has even correlated college sack totals with processing speed, suggesting that a high sack count in college could indicate a delay in processing information, which is crucial for an NFL quarterback.
But here's where it gets controversial... Sanders' performance on Sunday was a clear indication that he needed more time to develop.
Despite the disappointment, it's worth noting that Sanders has shown a likable personality. He has asked fans to ease up on criticism of fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, and many believe he has the potential to become a starter.
However, in his debut, Sanders' performance was inferior to Gabriel's. He threw for fewer yards, took more sacks, and committed more turnovers.
And this is the part most people miss... The Browns share some responsibility for Sanders' struggles. They buried him on the depth chart during training camp, and gave him limited practice time with the first team. The receiving corps and offensive line also contributed to the pressure Sanders faced on Sunday.
Coach Stefanski acknowledged the team's shortcomings, stating they would work to improve.
The Browns' understanding of Sanders' skill set and weaknesses might be more accurate than we realize. They likely knew that playing him too early could harm both the player and the team.
If Sanders had been thrown into the mix sooner, the outcome might have been worse. He could have faced more hits, taken more sacks, and potentially lost confidence.
What do you think? Do you agree that the Browns made the right call in holding Sanders back? Or do you believe he should have been given more opportunities earlier in the season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Author: Jimmy Watkins, cleveland.com
