Imagine the thrill of a rookie quarterback on the cusp of NFL stardom, only to be sidelined while coaches shuffle the deck—it's a rollercoaster that could define a career! But here's where it gets controversial: Is Shedeur Sanders truly ready to step up, or is the Browns' cautious approach the smart play in a high-stakes league?
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding the team's quarterback lineup after the recent trade of Joe Flacco. Flacco, who had been benched following four games as the starter, was the main backup just last week. Now, with that spot open, Stefanski hasn't tipped his hand on the plans, as detailed in a recent report.
For his part, rookie Shedeur Sanders, who served as the emergency quarterback during the first five games of the season, remained tight-lipped on Thursday about any insider knowledge on the team's strategy. Yet, he assured reporters that he's primed and prepared to jump in if needed, drawing on the lessons from his five months alongside Flacco and the insights gained over those initial weeks. If he gets his first regular-season chance soon, he's eager to put it all into action.
"In our locker room, we're all about staying sharp and game-ready," Sanders shared. "Every single day, even when Joe was leading the charge, the focus was on gearing up, staying alert, and knowing you might be called upon at any moment."
He added, "I'm brimming with self-assurance. From the day I arrived, I felt prepared to compete. But ultimately, it's the coaches' call. Whatever they decide, I'm cool with it."
Stefanski's choices for the backup role behind rookie starter Dillon Gabriel include Sanders and Bailey Zappe, a seasoned four-year veteran with nine career starts who's been part of Cleveland's practice squad since late August. On Wednesday, Stefanski suggested the team might favor Zappe as the go-to backup for this week's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, citing Zappe's experience and the longer-term plan for Sanders' growth. However, he emphasized that no final decisions—or at least none to be shared—would be made until week's end.
During the limited media-access portions of practices on Wednesday and Thursday, only Gabriel was seen throwing passes to the active roster's wide receivers.
Sanders had expressed to ESPN Cleveland last month that he believed he was fully equipped to play, even claiming he could outperform many quarterbacks league-wide based on the first three weeks' performances. Last week, when reporters tried to chat with him on the day Gabriel was named the starter, Sanders responded with silent gestures, as reported.
This silent response followed comments from ESPN analyst Rex Ryan, a former NFL head coach, who criticized Sanders for talking too much and not focusing enough on his studies—meaning the mental preparation and playbook mastery.
"I'm in an excellent headspace right now," Sanders stated on Thursday. "I'd say the excitement builds when you spot that glimmer of opportunity ahead. Initially, my role was to help prepare the defense, and I think I nailed it. No matter what position I'm in, I'm grateful and content."
He continued, "Each day teaches you something new about yourself that you didn't realize before. I feel equipped now—not that I wasn't before—but I'm set for whenever my moment arrives."
When asked about Ryan's critique, Sanders brushed it off, saying he's free of any negative vibes. He offered only positive vibes and support for Gabriel after his promotion last week, and expressed appreciation for the "jewels" of advice from Flacco, the 18-year veteran now starting for the Cincinnati Bengals after Tuesday's trade.
"Spending time with Joe, we're meant to absorb his knowledge and then carve our own paths," Sanders explained. "It's similar to my college days, where I was always with my dad, learning every step, and now it's my turn to forge ahead. You cherish every moment and the people around you, because you never know who'll stick around—or even yourself."
"Everyone in this building is chasing their dream, and I'm pursuing mine too. I'm just thankful for the chance to show up daily and do what we all love."
And this is the part most people miss: In a sport where experience often trumps raw talent, is Sanders' confidence justified, or could it be seen as arrogance? Some fans argue that rookies like him need more seasoning, while others point to his college pedigree as proof he's NFL-ready. What do you think—should the Browns give Sanders the reins sooner, or is patience the key to long-term success? Share your thoughts in the comments below; we'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a counterpoint!
Oct 9, 2025
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