Sports
Kevin Stefanski is facing criticism after naming the rookie quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, as the starter for the Cleveland Browns‘ upcoming preseason opener as the head coach looks to manage injury problems.
What might appear as a routine depth chart adjustment has instead fueled accusations of behind-the-scenes manipulation from local commentators, with suggestions that the boss is trying to justify the team’s controversial quarterback decisions.
Shedeur Sanders feels that unbreakable bond with Jimmy Horn Jr. even on different teams
With Joe Flacco not participating and both Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel sidelined through injuries, Sanders is the natural pick to lead the side as their fourth-choice option. Thus, he will play against the Carolina Panthers on August 9.
However, Nick Wilson of 92.3 The Fan voiced skepticism over the team’s quarterback strategy, specifically targeting Stefanski‘s post-draft communication.
Wilson described it as “the most obvious ploy” and suggested Stefanski was attempting to retroactively justify drafting Gabriel ahead of the 23-year-old son of Coach Prime, by implying that other teams had expressed interest in him.
Wilson wasn’t alone in his criticism either as Jonathan Peterlin echoed concerns that the Browns‘ front office may be deliberately leaking speculative trade interest to boost the perceived value of their quarterbacks.
“I wonder if in like a week or so or a week and a half,” Peterlin said. “The one week that we have for people being interested might be two, there might be a Kenny Pickett.
“Oh, teams are calling about Pickett. And then there might be one for Dylan Gabriel as well, because they just want to make it seem like they’re better than they are.”
Sanders backed to seize golden opportunity with Browns
Regardless of conspiracy talk, Sanders, a fifth-rounder in the 2025 NFL Draft, sees the opportunity mark a significant turning point in his bid to keep his career with the Cleveland Browns alive.
Though he entered training camp as a developmental prospect, he now finds himself front and center during a crucial stretch of preseason preparation and could enter the starter talk if he has an impressive performance.
Yet as some believe Shedeur, despite his popularity and potential, is being used to control the narrative rather than being developed as a legitimate future starter, others have backed the Colorado Buffaloes graduate.
“Shedeur is a huge star,” the Browns Hall of Famer, Joe Thomas, told The Herd.
“He was one of the biggest stars in college football in years and the biggest story of the draft.
“There are a lot of people who really believe in him and are huge fans of him who want to see him succeed.
“Cleveland drafted him in the fifth round at a great value, and they have a bunch of other quarterbacks on the roster, and they want to give equal playing time to everyone not named Joe Flacco to see who separates themselves.”
Anyhow, the move places Sanders in the spotlight during a crucial time in his early career. His performance in the coming weeks may determine whether he carves out a long-term role in Cleveland or become trade fodder.
This news was originally published on this post .
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