Former NFL star Trent Green praised Shedeur Sanders for his performance in the Cleveland Browns’ 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite a poor debut where Sanders went 4-of-16 in his first start, he bounced back to lead the Browns to a win and throw his first touchdown pass. Green, a Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowler, highlighted the young quarterback’s mental toughness in handling the pressure and attention as a rookie.
Sanders, who received his second career NFL start later this week, was thrown into the spotlight after replacing an injured Dillon Gabriel in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. During that game, he struggled with his mechanics and was criticized for his performance. However, in his subsequent start against the Raiders, Sanders showed growth and determination, leading the Browns to a crucial win. Green emphasized that the ability to recover from a bad game is a rare quality, especially for a young player with significant public expectations.
Meanwhile, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the need for improvement after the game. Stefanski, who has been under scrutiny for his handling of Sanders’ performance, stated that while the first start was largely successful, there are several adjustments the quarterback can make. The coach expressed confidence in Sanders’ ability to adapt to the game’s speed and improve, adding that the player has the mentality to make those necessary changes. Stefanski’s comments came after a week of public speculation about the coaching staff’s approach to the young quarterback’s development.
Green, who is set to help launch Caesars Sportsbooks in Missouri, shared his insights on Sanders’ performance with Fox News Digital. He stressed that the quarterback’s ability to perform under pressure is a valuable trait that will serve him well in the NFL. The former NFL star also pointed out the importance of mental toughness in the league, where young players must constantly navigate high expectations and media scrutiny. Green’s endorsement of Sanders has added momentum to the quarterback’s development, suggesting that he is on the right path to becoming a reliable NFL starter.