Shedeur Sanders Shows Poise Amid Tough Loss, Earns Support and QB1 Vote of Confidence
In just his second NFL start, Shedeur Sanders faced a tall task: leading the Cleveland Browns against a surging San Francisco 49ers defense in less-than-ideal weather. The end result - a 26-8 loss - wasn’t what the Browns were hoping for, but Sanders’ response to adversity, both on and off the field, is starting to turn heads in the right way.
After the game, Sanders was asked about head coach Kevin Stefanski’s decision to keep the offense on the field for several fourth-down attempts. The rookie didn’t flinch.
“First, that's a rude question to ask,” Sanders said. “If I think, it was a great call by my coach.
I like being out there playing. So whatever that comes with, it comes with.
We're not going to be here and ever point fingers at no coach or do anything like that."
That answer - direct, confident, and team-first - drew praise from fans and players alike. Kayla Nicole, a media personality and former partner of Travis Kelce, took to Instagram to back Sanders, calling out the earlier criticism he faced during the pre-draft process.
“Remember when the media was all up in arms running with the ‘he’s arrogant’ narrative?” Nicole wrote.
“We heard he was the ‘worst formal interview’ pre-draft on loop. Can we cover these moments with same vigor please?”
It’s a fair point. Sanders has taken his share of heat since entering the league, with some labeling him as brash or unpolished. But what we’re seeing now is a young quarterback who’s learning fast, owning his performance, and refusing to throw anyone under the bus - even when the losses pile up.
A Performance With Ups and Downs
Statistically, Sanders’ afternoon was a mixed bag. He completed 16 of 25 passes for 149 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown strike to rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. that briefly gave the Browns an 8-7 lead late in the first half. He didn’t turn the ball over, which is notable considering the pressure he faced - sacked three times and constantly harassed by a 49ers front that doesn’t take plays off.
But the second half was a different story. Cleveland’s offense stalled, managing just 60 total yards after halftime.
Special teams miscues and failed wildcat plays only added to the frustration. It wasn’t just one thing - it was a cascade of errors that made any sort of comeback nearly impossible.
Still, Sanders didn’t shy away from accountability. He acknowledged postgame that he didn’t play well and emphasized that he’s already thinking about how to improve.
Stefanski Staying the Course
Despite the loss, head coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear: Sanders is still the guy. He’ll remain the Browns’ starting quarterback heading into Week 14, when Cleveland hosts the Tennessee Titans. According to reports, the team is open to giving Sanders an extended look throughout the rest of the season.
It’s the right move. At 3-9, the Browns are clearly looking toward the future, and Sanders deserves the chance to grow through reps. There’s no substitute for live-game experience, especially against top-tier defenses like San Francisco’s.
Looking Ahead
Next up is a matchup with Tennessee - another team in transition, with rookie Cam Ward under center and a 1-11 record to show for it. It’s a more favorable matchup on paper, but nothing comes easy when you’re trying to build something from the ground up.
What matters now is how Sanders responds. The tools are there: arm talent, mobility, and a willingness to stand tall when things go sideways. But what’s just as important is what we saw after the game - a young quarterback backing his coach, owning his performance, and refusing to let the noise define him.
That’s leadership. And for a team still searching for its identity, it’s a good place to start.