The days and weeks leading to the Cleveland Browns’ first preseason game, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was at the bottom of the depth chart in terms of available passers. It was only until injuries to Kenny Pickett and rookie Dillon Gabriel that led to Sanders was pushed into the starting role for the team.
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Sanders took full advantage of his starting time, pulling off some incredible tight-window throws for two touchdowns and picking up some good yardage on the ground. Despite a couple of mistakes, he shone in his pro debut.
Sanders ended his first time starting in an NFL game with 14-for-23 passing attempts, 138 yards, two touchdowns, and four carries for 19 yards.
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The result of Sanders’ performance has led many to question the Browns’ approach to their quarterback room, including how it relates to the rookie.
Former NFL quarterback and analyst Dan Orlovsky took to “First Take” to plead that the Browns give Sanders way more time with the first and second teams moving forward.
“He proved to me that he is absolutely demanding of more reps with the second and first teams, against the second and first teams. I have been very adamant that Cleveland should start one of these rookies. I really believe that. And what we saw from Shedeur coming off the reports in the summer … ‘Shedeur had another good day’ … he looked like comfort, in total control, he played really fast, and didn’t panic … If I were the Browns, he would be getting reps with the starters this week…”
Orlovsky is pointing to the fact that Sanders was not getting first-team or even second-team reps due to his being fourth on the depth chart. However, his performance highlights the idea that Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski should be moving him up the depth chart as soon as this week.
Sanders is sure to get those opportunities this week, considering that both Pickett and Gabriel are dealing with hamstring injuries. It was reported that Gabriel returned to 11-on-11 team activities, but Pickett remains on 7-on-7, which means he is not as far along in recovery.
With the second preseason game coming this weekend, the Browns will take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, Aug. 16. Should Sanders get more first-team reps and be the starter again, he could make another statement regarding his professional capabilities.
Sanders was also humble following the game, apologizing to his father, Deion Sanders, about not playing well enough. Shedeur may feel that way, but anyone watching the game would likely disagree.
For now, the world will wait to see what Stefanski does in regards to Sanders, but he should at least be moving up the depth chart in a big way should he have another good game in preseason Week 2.
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