Shedeur Sanders is currently making headlines as he showcases his skills during organized team activities (OTAs) with the Cleveland Browns. Despite his impressive performance, it’s important to note that he is positioned as the team's fourth-string quarterback. Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot highlighted this fact, stating that Sanders did not participate in any 11-on-11 drills, which are crucial for evaluating quarterback performance.
According to Cabot, during the recent “Orange and Brown Talk” podcast, Sanders has a significant challenge ahead of him. “He has to come in here as the fourth-string quarterback and work his way up that depth chart,” she explained. This situation arises as the Browns navigate their quarterback competition, which includes notable names like Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and Dillon Gabriel. With Deshaun Watson expected to miss the entire season due to Achilles tendon surgeries, the competition is more intense than ever.
Despite his fourth-string status, Sanders generated buzz with his impressive practice stats. Reports from ESPN Cleveland revealed that he completed 7 of 9 passes, throwing three touchdowns—numbers that surpassed those of Pickett, Flacco, and Gabriel during the same practice session. However, it’s crucial to contextualize these statistics. All of Sanders’ achievements occurred during the 7-on-7 drills, which are typically less challenging than 11-on-11s, as they do not involve pass rushers and allow quarterbacks more time to execute plays.
The structure of spring practices often favors offensive players, as defensive linemen simulate sacks by raising their hands instead of applying pressure. 7-on-7 drills further enhance this advantage, creating an environment where quarterbacks can thrive without the usual defensive challenges. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized that the order of snaps is not set in stone, stating, “We’re mixing it up every single day.” This approach aims to expose players to different concepts, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about their abilities based solely on practice performance.
To illustrate the variability in practice snaps, the New York Giants recently provided their quarterback Russell Wilson with the majority of first-team 11-on-11 reps. Rookie Jaxson Dart was also included for a few plays with the starters, while Jameis Winston led the second-team offense. This highlights the competitive nature of quarterback evaluations within NFL teams. While Shedeur Sanders has shown potential, he faces the uphill battle of earning more 11-on-11 reps to prove himself alongside established competitors like Pickett, Flacco, and Gabriel.
Sanders’ journey is further complicated by his status as the son of a Hall of Fame player, which places him under a microscope. His trajectory from being a highly touted first-round prospect to a fifth-round pick has captured the attention of NFL fans and analysts alike. The narrative surrounding his development is bound to be a focal point throughout the season. As he works to secure more practice opportunities, his performance in 7-on-7 drills is just the beginning of what could be an exciting career.
In conclusion, while Sanders has demonstrated his capabilities in practice, he must continue to push for more significant opportunities to prove himself in the competitive landscape of the NFL. His journey will undoubtedly be one to watch as the season progresses, and fans are eager to see how he navigates the challenges ahead.
