Pass the responsibility to him.
Disregard the discussion concerning sophisticated data analysis versus well-established statistical measures. Disregard the reality that the Las Vegas Raiders possess an offensive line that inherently renders them an unreliable standard for assessing success or failure. And disregard that Shedeur Sanders’ initial NFL touchdown stemmed from a screen pass initiated 6 yards behind the line of scrimmage, transformed into a 66-yard impactful play by running back Dylan Sampson.
The Cleveland Browns’ offensive approach exhibited a newfound appeal on Sunday. Consequently, a more in-depth assessment of Sanders is presently justified.
Naturally, this perspective won’t be universally embraced. Some will emphasize various factors to substantiate their observations from Cleveland’s 24-10 victory over the Raiders. Certain individuals will highlight the Browns’ defense amassing a sack total (10) equivalent to the Raiders’ point total, rightfully suggesting that most quarterbacks would have triumphed with such a defensive showing. Others will cite advanced data analysis indicating Sanders achieved the lowest success rate among quarterbacks on Sunday, or that he recorded a negative Expected Points Added (EPA) per drop back. Still others will dismiss the 66-yard touchdown pass resulting from a screen, posing the question: “How would his performance appear without that particular play?”
Indeed, a superficial examination of the box score, noting Sanders’ statistics — 11 completions out of 20 attempts for 209 passing yards, accompanied by one touchdown and one interception — constitutes a rather simplistic analysis. The performance encompassed both positive and negative aspects. However, when weighing these opposing realities, the outcome is more than adequate for a rookie starter with merely one week of practice alongside the primary team. Particularly considering that Sanders was not filling in for a seasoned veteran starter merely requiring a temporary substitute. He was substituting for rookie Dillon Gabriel, who also encountered difficulties.
In actuality, a minimal number of individuals identifying shortcomings in Sanders on Monday will be Browns supporters. This stems from several reasons. A Browns rookie quarterback finally secured his first victory as a starter; the fans have witnessed the offense’s functionality under Gabriel, which has proven unsatisfactory; and with the team’s standing at 3-8, there exists minimal risk in thoroughly evaluating Sanders. These rationales hold merit. While Sanders may not represent the comprehensive solution sought by everyone, following the victory against the Raiders and indications of potential for explosive downfield passes, an accurate assessment of Sanders’ capabilities (or deficiencies) necessitates providing him with sufficient opportunity to genuinely exhibit them.
The sentiment might differ had Sanders performed disastrously against Las Vegas. However, he did not. If anything, he appeared comparatively improved overall compared to his performance during the second half of spot duty against the Baltimore Ravens. He maintained composure throughout the majority of the game, conceding only one sack and discarding the ball in appropriate situations. His 52-yard pass to wide receiver Isaiah Bond — executed on a rollout that facilitated the play’s development — was noteworthy. Furthermore, it represented the inaugural instance of Bond’s genuine deep speed being utilized throughout the entire season. This includes all six of Gabriel’s starts, which demonstrably featured reduced arm strength relative to what Sanders has displayed in just six quarters of play. Prioritizing the ability to capitalize on a fellow rookie’s speed and contribute to his development as the offseason approaches should also be a consideration.
While Sampson’s 66-yard touchdown resulting from Sanders’ pass may appear as somewhat deceptive due to the catch-and-run element reflected in the box score, it warrants recognition that Sanders delivered the pass accurately and into open space, enabling the running back to effectively establish blocks. This is not insignificant. Additionally, Jerry Jeudy’s fumble, which negated what should have been an impressive 50-plus yard reception and run following another rollout, cannot be attributed to Sanders.
Had that fumble been avoided, Sanders would almost certainly have contributed to adding more points to the scoreboard. The renewed implementation of running back Quinshon Judkins in a Wildcat formation, also featured in a victory over the Miami Dolphins, provided a welcome adjustment that made Cleveland’s offense appear more inventive.
In essence: Sanders exhibited a composed disposition and did not appear overwhelmed. Subsequently, he articulated a relevant observation regarding the outcomes when speaking to CBS during a postgame interview.
“To win is crazy. It’s amazing, you know. After one week of practice, you know what I mean?” Sanders stated. “This one week of practice. So imagine, you know, what a full offseason look like. It get dangerous. But this just in one week of practice, so I’m truly thankful that everything happened.”
Later, addressing reporters, Sanders added: “A lot of people want to see me fail. It ain’t gonna happen, you know? It ain’t gonna happen.”
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His assertions are accurate — concerning both the limited practice time and the presence of critics and doubters. However, one aspect is unequivocal: If head coach Kevin Stefanski retains Sanders as the starter and affords him the same comprehensive attention, including first-team repetitions and starting opportunities, something will result. Either Sanders will achieve enhanced command of the scheme, adapt to the game’s pace, and establish chemistry with his teammates — or he will be overwhelmed by these factors.
Regardless, the Browns will enter the offseason possessing knowledge of Sanders’ capabilities based on three distinct scenarios: Evaluating Sanders relative to Gabriel across a comparable number of starts; contrasting both performances against the option of acquiring a veteran quarterback through free agency or trade during the offseason … or selecting another rookie in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
These considerations exert significant influence on the franchise’s future and its quarterback situation. Prematurely returning Sanders to the bench would only limit available knowledge. While this remains a possibility, following last week’s defeat against the Ravens, Stefanski indicated Gabriel would regain his starting role upon clearing concussion protocol. He was less definitive on this matter following the Raiders victory, when questioned regarding whether Sanders would have the opportunity to lead the offense against the San Francisco 49ers in the upcoming week.
“I’m not going to get into that,” Stefanski replied. “Obviously, proud of him and proud of this offense and there are a ton of things to learn from. But I’m just going to worry about today.”
Later, Stefanski stated he would “take my time [with the decision] and do what’s best for the football team.”
The optimal course of action for this team presently involves determining the quarterbacking talent available. Gabriel has participated in eight games, securing six starts. Sanders warrants his own thorough evaluation — whether spanning the remainder of the season or continuing until his performance sufficiently warrants a conclusive judgment. Only upon the Browns’ commitment to this evaluation can the franchise advance toward a decision resolving the ongoing quarterback question.
