Browns coach Kevin Stefanski unclear on Shedeur Sanders’ position after debut

Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t provide a lot readability on Shedeur Sanders’ future position with the crew after the quarterback’s huge preseason debut Friday night time. 

Sanders grew to become the speak of the sports activities world with two landing passes in opposition to the Panthers, incomes the reward of LeBron James and different sports activities stars, together with South Carolina girls’s basketball coach Daybreak Staley. 

However Stefanski didn’t point out whether or not the efficiency would lead to Sanders getting a promotion on the depth chart. Sanders has been buried at fourth behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. 

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“We have to get by the subsequent couple of days from an harm standpoint and see the place all people is,” Stefanski instructed reporters Saturday when requested about Sanders’ position. 

“I’m actually targeted on all of our quarterbacks’ improvement and each single one in every of these reps final night time, how necessary they’re. So, that’s what I’m targeted on greater than something.”

Stefanski added that Sanders can “clear up” some elements of his efficiency.

“We now have a typical for that place and actually each place, however definitely the quarterback place. There’s a typical by which we play and the way we play and the way we function and the way we handle the soccer and people sort of issues,” Stefanski mentioned. 

“There are issues that Shedeur can clear up, he’ll clear up. However, by and enormous, I believed the operation was actually good, and that is necessary when you’ve completely different guys in there. … I feel it goes again to, with Shedeur or any participant, you are maximizing all your time within the constructing.”

SHEDEUR SANDERS NFL DRAFT MELTDOWN TIMELINE

Stefanski’s feedback drew criticism on social media from followers who imagine Sanders is worthy of extra reward after the efficiency. 

“Getting Kevin Stefanski to reward Shedeur and never reward the rookies or QBs as a complete is like pulling tooth,” one X person wrote. 

One other person wrote, “Cease taking part in and identify him the starter already.”

Sanders was essential of his efficiency Friday regardless of the 2 touchdowns. 

“Did I play as much as par? No, I do not really feel like I did,” Sanders mentioned after the sport. “However, total, the primary purpose was to win, and that is truthfully what we did.

“I am snug with being uncomfortable, so that is what it’s.” 

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders celebrates a landing move in opposition to the Carolina Panthers throughout the second quarter at Financial institution of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Photos)

Sanders addressed whether or not he has a good shot to win the beginning job Saturday. 

“I simply don’t suppose that deep into the whole lot as a result of there’s nothing you’re going to have the ability to management.,” Sanders mentioned. “Essentially the most you are able to do is whenever you get your alternative, when your quantity is named, carry out, no less than do the naked minimal and win the sport. That’s what I really feel like we did in the present day and undoubtedly issues I’m in a position to develop off of.”

Nonetheless, Sanders used his huge night time as a possibility to take intention at one in every of his detractors. 

In a YouTube video posted by his brother, Deion Sanders Jr., Shedeur confronted one of many Browns’ beat reporters, ESPN’s Tony Grossi, at Financial institution of America Stadium. It wasn’t a nasty interplay, although Sanders was sarcastic with the reporter. 

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“Tony, I be hoping you’ve one thing constructive to say about me,” Sanders instructed Grossi. “You solely say adverse stuff about me. And I’m like, ‘I ain’t do nothing to you.’ I ain’t see nothing constructive that you simply ever say.”

Grossi’s response wasn’t audible, although they shared amusing afterward. 

“What I do? What’d I do to you?” Sanders mentioned as he walked away. 

The Browns tackle the Philadelphia Eagles of their second preseason recreation subsequent week, and Stefanski mentioned Sanders shall be getting appreciable reps. 

Sanders fell to the 144th choose within the NFL Draft this spring after scouts raised character issues. He was beforehand thought-about a contender for the primary total choose however slipped previous the primary 4 rounds in one of the crucial stunning draft slides in NFL historical past, prompting confusion and debate by many NFL followers. 

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, entrance, walks off the sphere after minicamp in Berea, Ohio Could 10, 2025.  (AP Picture/Sue Ogrocki)

Sanders’ time with the Browns has already concerned controversy after he was twice cited for dashing.

Sanders was first ticketed for allegedly driving 91 mph in a 65 mph zone. Two weeks later, he allegedly hit 101 mph in a 60 mph zone and failed to look in courtroom.

Browns common supervisor Andrew Berry criticized Sanders for the incidents final month.

“Not good. Simply not good,” Berry instructed reporters concerning the tickets. “It’s one thing that we’ve addressed with him. Look, he understands the implications. He understands the results. It’s not nearly your self. It’s not nearly having a joyride, however that you can injure different folks. … A deer or one thing cuts in entrance of you, your response time, it’s simply harmful.”

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