Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made an exceptional debut during the preseason game for the Cleveland Browns. The former Colorado University standout scored three touchdowns in the game, while Tyler Huntley played the remainder of the game and secured the Browns’ 30-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Sanders said he played exceptionally well, but he said it wasn’t perfect.
“On the team’s behalf, I think I ran the offense pretty well,” Sanders said in his post-game press conference and according to the Browns YouTube page. “I feel like I got to my decisions and there are some things I could’ve done better, and different processes where I could speed my feet up. You know, I’m grateful for the opportunity and thankful that we won, but there’s still time to go to work.”
After watching Shedur Sanders’ debut preseason game, here are a few observations. Should he be considered the QB1 for the Browns? With recent injuries to both Pickett and Gabriel, it’s possible that Sanders could quickly rise in the rankings and compete with Flacco. Although Flacco brings more experience, it’s a possibility. Sanders demonstrated impressive calmness and poise during the game. He didn’t appear nervous and carried himself as if he belonged, even in high-pressure situations where others might have folded.
“I wasn’t nervous or have too much adrenaline, it was just getting comfortable,” Sanders said. “That’s all it is. There were plenty of games before where I was nervous, but I felt like I knew the answers to the test. So, when you feel unprepared, then you don’t feel ready for the moment. I know I’m ready for the moment. Did I play up to par? No, I don’t feel like I did. But overall, the main goal was to win, and that’s honestly what we did.”
After falling in the fifth round with the 144th pick in the NFL draft, Sanders’ mentality in approaching the quarterback opportunity is one of many things the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders has had to deal with.
“I just think about when I get out there just doing what I got to do,” Sanders said of the competition. “Everything else is out of my hands, so why worry about it. I just don’t think that deep into everything because it’s something that you’re not able to control, so why put energy into something you can’t control? The most you could do is whenever you get your opportunity and your number is called, is perform, and at least do the bare minimum and win the game.”
So with all the QB1 talk and Sanders, a decision isn’t made until the preseason is over.
“Yeah, we’re really just focused on developing our players,” Stefanski, the head coach of the Browns, was asked about the ongoing quarterback competition, which includes Sanders. “We’re in evaluation mode. I’m pleased with where the guys are, but I’m not diving into the quarterback competition.”
And there’s no doubt that coach Stefanski liked what he saw in Sandersbut’ performance in Friday’s game.
“Pleased with Shedeur, pleased with the offense. Again, not perfect, plenty that we can work on,” Stefanski said. “But I thought the guys did a really nice job. Shedeur IN operating the guys, making plays. So again, a ton to teach off of.”
“Pleased with the way Shedeur played, I’m pleased with the way the offense operated tonight,” Stefanski continued. “All things moving forward, as we continue to practice, we’ll be focused on all of our guys’ development and getting these guys ready to play for the season.”
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Is Sanders looking to impress coach Stefanski, the team, and football fans in the second game? The young rookie had some impressive throws and some not-so-impressive ones, so he could look to help Cleveland in the next preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 16.
Photo/ Source: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images/ dnyuz.com/ Sports Yahoo via Clutch Points
