Shedeur Sanders is stepping into the spotlight again this Sunday, and the stage doesn’t get much bigger-or colder-than a matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Cleveland’s December chill.
With freezing temperatures expected, all eyes are on the rookie quarterback as he prepares to face one of the league’s most complete teams. But Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski isn’t sweating the weather-or Sanders’ ability to handle it. And he’s got a good reason for that.
“He played at Colorado,” Stefanski said Friday. “That’s a lot of wind there.
You’re gonna get all sorts of weather. So I think he’s good to go.”
It’s a fair point. Sanders spent two seasons playing in Boulder, where winter football often comes with a side of snow and swirling gusts. So while the thermometer may be dipping in Cleveland, this isn’t exactly uncharted territory for the rookie.
From Backup to QB1
Shedeur’s journey to the Browns’ starting job has been anything but conventional. For most of the season, he sat behind Dillon Gabriel on the depth chart. But when Gabriel went down with a concussion in Week 11, the door opened-and Sanders walked through it.
His debut wasn’t pretty: just 4 completions on 16 attempts for 47 yards and no touchdowns. But the Browns stuck with him, and in Week 12, he delivered. Sanders went 11-of-20 for 209 yards and a touchdown in a 24-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, helping Cleveland snap a three-game skid.
That performance earned him the starting nod again this week, even with Gabriel cleared to return from concussion protocol.
Not Everyone’s Sold-Yet
Despite the win and the improved stat line, not everyone’s ready to crown the rookie just yet. Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden offered a more measured take, urging fans to pump the brakes on the hype.
“I would pump the brakes on that a little bit,” Gruden said. “The throw we keep watching was against an all-out blitz.
The Browns don’t even pick up the blitz... I’m not going to jump off the table yet because he threw a bubble screen for a 70-yard touchdown against the worst entry I’ve ever seen on defense.”
Gruden’s point? Flashy highlights don’t always tell the full story. Sanders showed poise, sure-but the real test comes against a defense like San Francisco’s, which doesn’t make a habit of giving up free yards.
Game Ball Controversy? Stefanski Clears the Air
After the win over the Raiders, some fans wondered why Sanders didn’t receive the game ball, especially after helping secure a much-needed victory in his first start. Stefanski addressed the decision this week, explaining that the honor went to defensive star Myles Garrett.
“You got into it, trying to highlight guys,” Stefanski said. “Myles got the game ball.
I thought it was pretty worthy. But you’re just trying to constantly recognize your guys.”
He added that the coaching staff made a point to acknowledge Sanders and others during team meetings.
“Obviously, a rookie starting his first game on the road and getting a win is huge, so you acknowledge all that with them,” Stefanski said.
What’s Next
Now comes the real challenge. The 49ers, led by Kyle Shanahan, bring a defense that thrives on pressure and discipline. For Sanders, this isn’t just another start-it’s a measuring stick moment.
Can he keep the Browns offense moving against one of the NFL’s elite defenses? Can he manage the elements, the pressure, and the expectations all at once?
We’re about to find out. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
ET on CBS. Bundle up-this one’s going to be cold, physical, and full of storylines.