Shedeur Sanders Shines in Breakout Performance, Earns Stefanski’s Backing as Browns’ Starter
The Cleveland Browns may have fallen short on the scoreboard Sunday, but they may have found something far more important in the long run - a quarterback who’s starting to look like the real deal.
Rookie Shedeur Sanders delivered the most impressive performance of his young NFL career in a narrow 31-29 loss to the Tennessee Titans. And while the defeat dropped the Browns to 3-10, Sanders’ growth under center was impossible to ignore. He looked poised, confident, and in command - all encouraging signs for a franchise that’s been searching for stability at quarterback.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Monday that Sanders will remain the starter through the end of the season, a clear signal that the Browns are committed to evaluating their rookie in real-time, live-fire situations.
“I think all along with our quarterbacks and our young players, you’re always making sure that you’re making the right decisions for our guys,” Stefanski said. “And I think [Sanders] has constantly and consistently gotten better in each one of these games… He’s very intentional about getting better each and every game he’s out there.”
That growth was on full display against Tennessee. In just his third NFL start, Sanders outdueled the top pick in the 2025 draft, Titans quarterback Cam Ward.
Sanders finished the day 23-of-42 for 364 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception - the kind of stat line that turns heads, even in a loss. He added 29 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, flashing the dual-threat ability that made him such an intriguing prospect coming out of college.
Yes, the interception was a mistake - the kind of throw he’ll want back - but that’s part of the learning curve. What matters more is how he bounced back from it. Sanders kept attacking, kept making plays, and kept his team in the game until the final whistle.
That resilience is exactly what Stefanski and the Browns’ coaching staff wanted to see. Earlier in the season, the team had taken a week-to-week approach with the quarterback position, even giving fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel six starts.
Gabriel went 1-5 in those games, and while he showed flashes, the offense never quite found its rhythm. Sanders, on the other hand, has brought a different energy - and more importantly, production - to the huddle.
Now, with Cleveland officially eliminated from playoff contention, the focus shifts to development. And Sanders is going to get every opportunity to show he can be the guy moving forward.
Deshaun Watson’s Role: Veteran Voice, Not Starting Option
Deshaun Watson was designated for return to practice on December 3, beginning a 21-day window for the Browns to activate him or shut him down for the rest of the season. But with the team out of the playoff hunt and Sanders gaining valuable experience, there’s little reason to rush Watson back into action.
Instead, Watson’s role for the rest of the year will likely remain as a mentor - a veteran voice in the quarterback room who can help guide the rookies through the ups and downs of the NFL grind. He’s already embraced that role, offering insight from the sidelines and helping both Sanders and Gabriel adjust to the speed and complexity of the pro game.
That mentorship will be especially important this week as the Browns prepare for a tough road matchup against the 9-4 Chicago Bears on December 14. It’s the kind of environment where a young quarterback can either grow or get overwhelmed. Having a veteran like Watson in Sanders’ corner, breaking down film and helping him manage the moment, could be invaluable.
As for Watson’s long-term future, reports last week indicated that he’s expected to remain with the Browns through the end of his contract in 2026. But for now, all eyes are on Sanders - and for good reason.
What’s Next for the Browns and Sanders
With four games left in the season, the Browns are in evaluation mode. Every snap Sanders takes is an opportunity - for him to prove he belongs, and for the franchise to determine whether they’ve found their quarterback of the future.
Sunday’s performance didn’t just earn Sanders another start - it earned him a chance to lead this team through the final stretch of the season. And if he continues to improve the way he has, the Browns may walk away from this tough year with a silver lining that’s hard to ignore.
There’s still a long road ahead, and plenty of development left to do. But for the first time in a while, Cleveland might finally have something to build around under center.