With the final preseason over and the quarterback competition set and stone for Cleveland, all eyes were on Shedeur Sanders and his performance in the final preseason game. However, not everything has a fairy tale ending.
Analysts Speak Up on Coaching Involving Shedeur Sanders
Saturday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams did not go as Sanders had hoped. Entering the second half, he ran five drives but struggled to make an impact, completing just 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards. He was also sacked five times, putting added pressure on a young quarterback still working to establish himself in the NFL.
Sanders’ game ended in a controversial fashion. Instead of giving him a final drive with two minutes left and the Browns trailing by three, head coach Kevin Stefanski sent in Tyler Huntley. The decision sparked immediate criticism and speculation that Sanders was being unfairly restricted, which could affect his evaluation and standing with the coaching staff.
Robert Littal voiced his opinion on X:
“It appears to me coach didn’t want Shedeur to go win the game because he didn’t want to hear all the convo about Shedeur leading a great 2 min drill… Wanted the last memory of him was looking bad so when they bury him it would look justified. That’s shady and untrustworthy behavior so they should just let him go.”
It appears to me coach didn’t want Shedeur to go win the game because he didn’t want to hear all the convo about Shedeur leading a great 2 min drill. Now who knows if he would have or not but coach didn’t want to take that chance. Wanted the last memory of him was looking bad so…
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) August 23, 2025
“A head coach had an opportunity to instill some confidence in his young QB who was having a bad day,” Littal continued. “But chose to make sure the last thing that QB will remember for a long time was that poor experience. I refuse to believe that was an accident. You can disagree but that’s how I feel”
Josina Anderson also weighed in on X:
Kevin Stefanski was way too diplomatic today with how he handled his QB evaluation–as far as what was necessary & what wasn’t. The head coach has to also be cognizant of actions that build his guys up vs. introducing more mental static than necessary.
Second, unless Shedeur… https://t.co/YnDuOv67Xe
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 23, 2025
“Kevin Stefanski was way too diplomatic today with how he handled his QB evaluation–as far as what was necessary & what wasn’t. The head coach has to also be cognizant of actions that build his guys up vs. introducing more mental static than necessary.” She added, “Oh, and there was no need to see Joe Flacco play today and take up valuable evaluation reps.”
Despite the difficult performance, Sanders’ ability and promise remain evident. Even though the ending was disappointing, it is not the final word on his career; preseason games are meant for growth. Now the Browns’ front office must decide whether Sanders makes the 53-man roster or is cut as the regular season begins.
For Sanders, the journey continues. Despite a rocky final preseason outing, the rookie has shown glimpses of the skill that made him a standout at Colorado and a promising NFL prospect.
Kevin Stefanski Clears Air on Replacing Sanders With Tyler Huntley
Stefanski spoke to the media after the game to explain the decision to replace Sanders with Huntley. “Obviously, we didn’t play great as an offense in the second half,” The Browns HC said. “That’s never on one person … we can be better in a bunch of areas … we just felt like we wanted to give [Huntley] the last drive.”
Kevin Stefanski on why Shedeur Sanders didn’t lead the 2-min drill at the end of the game pic.twitter.com/MmxLliYUKY
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 23, 2025
Stefanski labeled Sanders “a competitive kid,” after the quarterback looked unhappy with the Browns’ decision of not letting him finish the game.
Sanders was initially frustrated with the decision, but after the game, he provided a composed response that shows he is ready for life in the NFL.
“In the heat of the battle, you want to be that alpha,” Sanders said about his frustration. “You want to be that dog. You want to be out there in that final two-minute drive. So, of course, small things, of course, frustrate, but that’s what happens when you want to be a player to be able to change a franchise.”
