'I Would Not Want Him To Take the Field': Cam Newton Doubles Down on Shedeur Sanders Claim
Cam Newton has reignited debate within the NFL community after claiming that Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has not set rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders up for success. Appearing on national television, the former MVP doubled down on his belief that the Browns mishandled Sanders’ development and threw him into a situation destined to fail.
Newton’s comments followed Sanders’ difficult NFL debut against the Baltimore Ravens, where the rookie completed just four of sixteen passes for 47 yards and an interception. Thrust into action after starter Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion, Sanders faced a top-tier defense without having taken meaningful first-team snaps during practice. Newton argued that Sanders’ lack of preparation was a coaching failure, not a player flaw, and suggested that Stefanski had deliberately limited the young quarterback’s opportunities.
Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The controversial take drew mixed reactions from analysts and fans alike. Some agreed that the Browns’ offensive struggles and lack of supporting talent have made life difficult for any quarterback under center. Others dismissed Newton’s accusation as far-fetched, pointing out that NFL backup quarterbacks rarely receive starting reps in practice until absolutely necessary. They viewed Sanders’ performance as part of a rookie learning curve rather than evidence of internal sabotage.
In defense of Stefanski, several former players emphasized the difficulty of balancing preparation among multiple quarterbacks during an NFL season. The Browns’ offense has also been depleted by injuries and inconsistency, leaving even experienced passers at a disadvantage. Still, Newton’s comments have drawn attention to the team’s developmental approach and ongoing uncertainty under center.
Cam Newton Shares his Take on Shedeur Sanders’ Situation With Cleveland Browns
Dec 26, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks on from the sideline during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Newton recently dropped his thoughts about Sanders’ situation in Cleveland. This can be seen in a video shared by Awful Announcing on X.
Cam Newton: “I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: I do not think Kevin Stefanski wants Shedeur Sanders to succeed in Cleveland… if I’m Shedeur or I’m a Shedeur Sanders fan, I would not want him to take the field. Because that’s going to consistently be the display we’re…
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 17, 2025
Sanders is expected to remain in the lineup while Gabriel remains in concussion protocol, giving him another chance to show his potential. The pressure will be immense following such public scrutiny, but many see it as an opportunity for redemption.
Regardless of how the next outing goes, Newton’s remarks have amplified discussion around coaching accountability and rookie expectations. For Sanders, every pass from here on will be judged not only by fans but through the lens of a debate extending far beyond his first start.
Aug 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jamil Muhammad (45) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Lions' key returns on defense providing optimism ahead of playoff push
While the Detroit Lions' defense has been a powerhouse this season, it's been clear as day that the team could use additional depth in their secondary to help make it hum even more.
Enter D.J. Reed and Malcolm Rodriguez. Reed and Rodriguez, who have had separate stints on the IR and PUP list to begin the season, are set to return in Week 12 against the New York Giants.
That news, shared by head coach Dan Campbell on Monday, is extremely welcomed by the Legion of Whom that has carried the Lions' defense for the last few weeks amid injuries to Terrion Arnold and Kerby Joseph.
While neither Reed nor Rodriguez can help out in the safety room, which is the biggest area of need for the Lions right now, they can at least provide fresh legs behind Arnold, Amik Robertson, Jack Campbell, and Alex Anzalone.
Lions' key returns on defense are a sight for sore eyes ahead of postseason push
Campbell told reporters on Monday that the starting cornerback and backup linebacker have been putting in the work to return for the teams' Giants game this coming Sunday, and they're expected to play barring any setbacks in practice this week. Reed is going to be a big returner for the Lions with Arnold's concussion potentially hindering his ability to play this week.
As for Rodriguez, he's returning to backup a room that's been led by Campbell and Anzalone this year. Last season, Rodriguez posted 27 solo tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery, and one pass breakup before injuring his ACL at the very end of the year. He was one of several key defenders who went down before a playoff push by the Lions.
Kelvin Sheppard has to be excited about getting both Reed and Rodriguez back in the fold, as he's been working with the fewest players this season due to the injury bug impacting the defense the most in 2025. It hasn't done much to hold back the unit, though, with Detroit's defense ranking 5th overall in fewest yards allowed per game, in addition to only allowing 21.6 points per game.
With the offense falling flat as of late, it's been expected that the defense can keep Detroit in close games when they can't seem to score. While the loss was demoralizing, the Lions only lost to the Philadelphia Eagles by one score. That's thanks to the effort of the defense to completely shut the water off for Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith all game.
It'll be exciting to see what the defense can do against another struggling offense in Week 12. This is the perfect get-right opportunity for Reed and Rodriguez ahead of Thanksgiving Day against the Green Bay Packers.
