It’s been a topic of discussion since the team drafted rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. With Sanders being named the starter for the rest of the season, national and local media are discussing whether
or not the Browns made the wrong decision in starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel over Sanders and the rest of the process.
Going back to training camp, Sanders never received any reps with the first team, while Gabriel got most, if not all, of them on certain days. In terms of development, it’s fair to say that the Browns are developing Sanders, the right way. Sanders’s tape from when he played against the Baltimore Ravens to his previous game against the Tennessee Titans shows growth in multiple areas. His pocket presence looks better, and he looks more comfortable than he did in this offense. His progress can’t be ignored, and the coaching staff deserves credit for it.
Contrary to popular belief, Sanders was closer to a project than most want to admit. The Browns knew it. The fans and media didn’t. General manager Andrew Berry said this about Sanders back in August when asked about Sanders’ progress:
Colorado’s offense was more of a net negative for Sanders than most people want to admit. The scheme was basic, and it doesn’t translate well to the next level. It’s clear the Cleveland staff didn’t think Sanders was ready and they were right. Not having a firm grasp of the playbook and struggling with the verbiage was a real issue, and Sanders had to work to get past this hurdle.
To say that the team was sabotaging Sanders is absurd.
Developing a quarterback is not easy. Quarterbacks going from a college offense that doesn’t translate well to the next level can be challenging due to the learning curve it presents. Most quarterbacks in the NFL usually flame out due to the team not developing them the right way, which leads to them finding a quarterback year after year.
In Cleveland’s case, they are developing Sanders. The right way. Bringing him along slowly, allowing him to get the necessary mental reps, and asking for additional help in order to be successful. Sanders has a strong work ethic, so it’s not surprising to see his work paying off. However, the coaching staff has done a good job in bringing him along.
In the case that this offensive staff is retained next season (which is doubtful, but you never know), Sanders having a full year under the system with a better supporting cast would be a good scenario for him. Familiarity is key, and it helps a rookie’s growth.
The next four games will determine if the Browns will draft a quarterback or roll with Sanders for another year. Considering the path he’s on, it wouldn’t surprise me if the team chose to keep Sanders as the starter in 2026 but the team could also choose to draft a quarterback with a higher ceiling. The situation is fluid, but so far the Browns offensive coaching staff deserves credit for handling Shedeur Sanders’s development the right way and the quarterback deserves credit for his hard work and openness to learning.
