Alarming Browns trend proves it's finally time to start Shedeur Sanders
Things are really rough right now for the Cleveland Browns, as the team is entering Week 11 with a 2-7 record. With many fans already focused on the team’s draft position , the only thing left to look forward to this season is the debut of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. However, head coach Kevin Stefanski remains committed to rookie Dillon Gabriel, despite the entire football world saying it’s time to move on.
The Browns would like for Gabriel, who has already started five games, to remain in the lineup, and hopefully improve. Unfortunately, Stefanski’s patience with Gabriel is hurting the team, and is negatively affecting one of Cleveland’s most talented young players . That player is Quinshon Judkins, whose promising rookie season is quickly unraveling with Gabriel under center.
Quinshon Judkins among 45 RBs:
Weeks 1-5
4.8 yards/carry (15th)
4.15 yards after contact/carry (4th)
8.3% explosive rate (13th)
44.6% success rate (25th)
Weeks 6-10
3.1 yards/carry (42nd)
2.75 yards after contact/carry (27th)
2.9% explosive rate (39th)
29.3% success rate (44th) — Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) November 11, 2025
A Browns quarterback change could be good for Quinshon Judkins
Ian Hartitz, of Fantasy Life, recently broke down Judkins’ numbers in his first four games, and his last four games. The biggest takeaway is that Judkins was playing much better during the beginning of the season; he was posting numbers that had him near the most productive backs in the league, but now his numbers are grouped with the least productive.
Naturally, everyone who saw the breakdown of Judkins’ season pointed to Dillon Gabriel being inserted into the starting lineup. In Gabriel’s defense, though, the rookie running back’s best game did come in Gabriel’s starting debut. Judkins rushed for 110 yards in Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings, but since then, it has been much more of a struggle to gain yards.
The reason why is simple: teams don’t fear or respect Cleveland’s passing game. Defenses are able to sell out to stop the Browns’ rushing attack, without fear they will be picked a apart through the air. Additionally, Cleveland’s run blocking isn’t good enough right now to consistently thrive against loaded boxes. That would explain why Judkins is averaging just 3.1 yards per carry in his last four games, which is an entire 1.7 yards less than what he averaged in his first four outings.
This decline in production from a clearly talented running back is just the latest example of why the Browns need to see if Shedeur Sanders can shake things up. If Sanders can at least give defenses something to think about, or complete a few passes to make defenders back up from the line of scrimmage some, Quinshon Judkins and the Cleveland run game could get back rolling.
Saints Rookie Class Could Be Game-Changer New Orleans Needs
The New Orleans Saints have played 10 games so far this season and there are some reasons for optimism for the future of the franchise.
Now, there are obviously salary cap questions coming after the season and there are some veterans who may not be with the team any longer when the 2025 season ends. But, New Orleans' 2025 draft class has a shot at being transformational for the team.
Let's take a look at the draft class and evaluate key takeaways.
Round 1: OT Kelvin Banks Jr.
Round 2: QB Tyler Shough
Round 3: DL Vernon Broughton
Round 3: S Jonas Sanker
Round 4: LB Danny Stutsman
Round 4: CB Quincy Riley
Round 6: RB Devin Neal
Round 7: TE Moliki Matavao
Round 7: Edge Fadil Diggs
Let's start with the guys difficult to evaluate. Vernon Broughton has played in just one game, Moliki Matavao has played in three games, and Fadil Diggs has played in four games. Diggs and Matavao are on the practice squad and Broughton is out for the season.
Banks, Shough, Sanker, Stutsman, Riley, and Neal all have shown a lot of promise for the future as well. Banks has started all 10 games for the Saints and looks like the left tackle of the future. He has a 68.3 PFF grade, good for 32nd out of 76 tackles.
The Saints' draft class is looking good right now
Shough has started just two games so far this season and had one of the best games by a Saints rookie in team history in Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers. He actually became the first Saints rookie quarterback to win a game since 1981, so that's nice.
Sanker has played in all 10 games, including nine starts. The Saints' safety room took a hit with Julian Blackmon getting hurt. Sanker has filled in well and has one interception and has held opposing quarterbacks to a 55 percent completion rate.
Stutsman has played in all 10 games and has been solid linebacker depth. He has 28 tackles on the season.
Riley has been involved in all 10 games, including two starts. He has an interception and has held opposing quarterbacks to a 60 percent completion rate.
Neal had his best game as a pro against the Panthers with 22 rushing yards and three catches. That's not eye-popping, but his role just increased over the last few weeks with Kendre Miller out.
This draft class starts with Banks and Shough. Both look like the real deal so far. But, on top of that, the Saints could've found a starting safety, cornerback, linebacker, and eventual Alvin Kamara replacement. That's what should have fans excited.
