Dawgs By Nature
As everyone saw, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made his official NFL debut against the Baltimore Ravens. Sanders started in the second half after rookie Dillon Gabriel left the game to be evaluated for a concussion. Sanders began to warm up, and he was met with a rousing reaction from the Cleveland faithful. In terms of his performance, it wasn’t great.
However, expecting Sanders to light up an improving, creative and flexible Ravens defense was never going to be the case. A lot of negatives, but growth is possible heading into Week 12 versus the Las Vegas Raiders. However, it’s going to be a tall task as Sanders has some specific concerns.
The Raiders lines provide some hope to help the Browns QB and team goals, however.
If you look at the stat line from Sanders’ debut, it’s not great. However, in the grand scheme of things, when Sanders entered the game, you could tell the energy around the stadium changed.
In terms of his composure, Sanders appeared ready for the moment. The moment didn’t feel too big for him and he had confidence in himself. Late in the 4th quarter, Sanders had a big throw to rookie tight end Harold Fannin. Sanders ripped the ball with confidence and it’s clear that Sanders has a better arm than Gabriel.
Outside of that one throw, it wasn’t many positives to find during the all-22 watch. However, perspective is key when it comes to discussing Sanders. A lot has been made about Sanders since being drafted to Cleveland but here is the reality that people have to understand.
Sanders had a rough outing, and he even admitted he didn’t play well and took responsibility for his poor play.
Sanders has a fundamental disconnect in terms of how he wants to play versus how he should play. Sanders doesn’t have the ability to extend plays out of structure (due to the limitations he has athletically), he also holds the ball far too long.
Are these things fixable? Yes, but he has to figure out how to play more of a field general role, distributing and getting the ball out quickly.
Sanders has been a stout member in the community since being drafted by the Browns and a great teammate. He handled himself well during the postgame press conference and answered every answer with the right responses.
Regardless of what people will say, Sanders has the support of his teammates and head coach Kevin Stefanski. His debut was rough, but the possibility of growth is there for Sanders heading into Week 12 in Vegas.
