Shedeur Sanders Struggles in Preseason Debut, Sparks Debate on Coaching Decisions
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders struggled in his final preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, netting a negative amount of yards and being benched in favor of veteran Tyler Huntley. The performance has sparked debates among fans and analysts about whether the Browns are setting him up to fail, with some accusing the coaching staff of making questionable decisions and others defending the team’s approach.
Sanders entered the game in the third quarter and completed three of six passes for 14 yards while taking five sacks for a combined loss of 41 yards. The Browns ultimately won the game 19-17, as Huntley led the offense on a game-winning field goal drive. This marked a stark contrast to Sanders’ earlier preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, where he threw for two touchdowns and received praise from fans and sports figures like LeBron James and Dawn Staley.
However, his recent performance has ignited a debate among fans and analysts, with many questioning whether the Browns are intentionally setting up Sanders to fail due to poor play-calling and reliance on backup players. Critics, including former NFL quarterback Derek Carr and sports talk show host Skip Bayless, have accused the coaching staff of not giving Sanders enough opportunities to showcase his skills, particularly during the critical final drive.
Sanders himself reportedly was unaware he was being pulled, stating he was preparing for the two-minute drill. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski defended the decision, attributing the team’s performance to broader issues and choosing Huntley for the final drive. The controversy extends to conspiracy theories, with some suggesting that the NFL may have influenced the team’s draft decisions, a claim echoed by Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson and former president Donald Trump.
Despite the criticism, Sanders remains optimistic about his future with the Browns, expressing confidence that he will make the final roster after the cuts.