Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Gets Bad News Ahead of Week 1
Shedeur Sanders will open the season as the Cleveland Browns’ No. 3 quarterback, with no plans for him to see the field this season.
Sanders will function as the No. 3, emergency quarterback for the Browns. He’ll sit behind 40-year-old starter Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who is the primary backup.
The Browns quarterback situation over the years always features some unexpected twists and turns. But if all goes according to plan, Sanders will not play this season, per Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
“Don’t plan on seeing the fifth-round pick on the field this season unless things get really weird,” Russini said. “Cleveland believes in Joe Flacco’s experience and Dillon Gabriel’s development as the backup.”
Russini added that there’s no grand conspiracy keeping Sanders on the sideline, which is what some have voiced online. He is a fifth-round pick and the Browns view him as a developmental prospect who needs work.
“For all the football conspiracy theorists out there trying to decode the real reason the Cleveland Browns drafted Shedeur Sanders, here’s the truth: There is no big secret. The pick wasn’t some master plan from ownership,” Russini said. “It was GM Andrew Berry’s call, rooted in his belief that Cleveland’s coaching staff could bring out the best in Sanders and help him grow into an NFL quarterback. It will be a process, and the Browns want to keep developing him.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Had Rough Preseason Finale
If anything, the Browns have been clear on how they view Sanders based on his reps and opportunities. He received no first-team reps during training camp, while Flacco, Gabriel, and the now-departed Kenny Pickett did.
Sanders capitalized when he got his first preseason start and the spotlight against the Carolina Panthers. He passed for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Sanders suffered an oblique injury in practice, which prevented him from building on the momentum from his strong performance.
Sanders’ final preseason outing was rough. He completed just three passes and was sacked five times. The Browns also decided to pull Sanders for a two-minute drill situation late with the game on the line.
“Obviously, I feel like I can improve in a lot of areas, like the same thing I said last time. I’m just excited for the opportunity to get out there and play,” Sanders said after the game. “Every day was a new day, every day you learn different things and life lessons that you learn in every situation. I’m coming out of training camp happy that I got the opportunity.”
Joe Flacco is Confident Ahead of First Starter
Flacco is 40 but is feeling fresh heading into the season after seeing limited reps in training camp and the preseason. He only appeared in the team’s final preseason game, playing for around a quarter.
The quarterback competition resulted in a lower workload for Flacco but he’s embracing being in the top spot now.
“There’s so many things about every training camp and every situation that you’re in that aren’t necessarily ideal, but that’s not necessarily what’s ideal for the team. I think the best thing for this team was to kind of have the process that we had,” Flacco said. “And even though I may personally not feel like that was the best thing for myself, I can get on board and see how that was important for the team to go through this process.
“Therefore I’m willing to, and I have been willing to, play that role and go through that process and just be the best version of myself I can be. And now heading into the season, I feel like there was plenty of time for me to make sure that I got the reps and felt comfortable with all the guys around me.”
Flacco and the Browns are a 5.5-point home underdog against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1.
Stephen A. Smith Makes Bold Prediction: Lamar Jackson Will Lead the Ravens to Super Bowl Glory!
In an electrifying moment that’s got NFL fans talking, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has made a bold, unflinching prediction for the upcoming season: Lamar Jackson will lead the Baltimore Ravens to Super Bowl victory. Without a second of hesitation, Smith confidently declared Jackson as the player to take the Ravens all the way, leaving no doubt in his mind.
“NO HESITATION. LAMAR JACKSON WILL LEAD THE RAVENS TO A SUPER BOWL WIN!” Smith exclaimed during a recent broadcast, his voice filled with passion. “We’re talking about a quarterback who’s not just elite, he’s a game-changer. And when it’s all said and done, Lamar Jackson is going to be hoisting that Lombardi Trophy in 2026. Mark my words.”
Smith’s prediction has sent shockwaves through the NFL world, as many analysts have questioned the Ravens’ chances this season. However, the outspoken analyst remains unwavering in his belief that Jackson’s unique skill set, leadership, and determination will be enough to power Baltimore to the ultimate prize.
“Look, this man is one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever step on the field,” Smith continued. “His ability to impact the game with his legs and his arm is unparalleled. But it’s his heart and leadership that’s going to push this team to the Super Bowl. Lamar Jackson is not just playing for a championship; he’s playing to cement his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.”
Jackson, who has faced his fair share of doubters over the years, is coming off a stellar season in which he showed growth as a passer and a leader. With a revamped roster and a stronger supporting cast, the Ravens are more equipped than ever to make a serious run at the Super Bowl.
“Don’t underestimate what’s coming,” Smith concluded. “This is Lamar’s year, and the Ravens will be standing tall at the end of it.”
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Lamar Jackson and the Ravens to see if they can live up to Stephen A. Smith’s bold prediction. One thing is for certain: if Jackson delivers, it will go down as one of the most memorable seasons in NFL history.
