JJ Watt Speaks Out on Shedeur Sanders’ Situation as Browns Face Mounting Pressure
As the Cleveland Browns navigate a challenging season, the decision to keep rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders on the bench has stirred significant discussion among fans and analysts. Former NFL star JJ Watt recently weighed in on the situation, emphasizing that the stakes are high for both the players and coaching staff.
With the Browns struggling with a 1-5 record, Watt’s comments underscore the pressure to perform, particularly as Dillon Gabriel is set to start against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watt pointed out that decisions made in the NFL are not taken lightly, especially when jobs and livelihoods are on the line.
The Browns’ choice to start Gabriel over Sanders reflects their commitment to finding immediate solutions as they aim to turn their season around. While many fans have expressed excitement about Sanders’ potential, Watt’s perspective highlights the realities of professional football where performance metrics dictate opportunities.
Sanders was drafted in the fifth round, and his position behind Gabriel, a third-round pick, indicates the Browns’ plan to prioritize experience as they look to stabilize their offense. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has been clear about his approach, stating that the focus remains on developing players while ensuring that the team runs a cohesive offense. This approach, however, raises questions about Sanders’ readiness and how long he will remain on the sidelines.
Despite the disappointment of not starting, Sanders is still considered a valuable asset for the team. His time on the bench allows him to learn and adapt to the professional game, but the clock is ticking as pressure mounts for the Browns to improve their performance. The current quarterback situation has left the door open for speculation about Sanders’ future role.
Former NFL Star JJ Watt Drops Honest take on Cleveland Browns’ Shedeur Sanders Not Starting
Watt recently shared his thoughts about Sanders not starting for the Browns. This can be seen in a post shared by the sports analyst on his official X account.
If the Browns thought Shedeur Sanders would give them a better chance to win, he would start. And maybe that day does come. I know there are many people out there very much looking forward to seeing what he’s capable of at this level if given the chance. Myself included. But jobs and livelihoods are on the line, coaches and front offices don’t just hold players back for no reason. They need to win and they need to win fast. They’ll do whatever it takes for that to happen.
The Browns offense hasn’t scored over 17 points in 11 straight games. There have clearly been offensive struggles, regardless of who’s been playing the QB position.
This is the position they put themselves in when they drafted two QBs in the same class in the first 5 rounds. Whoever got the first chance to play was always going to have the potential distraction of the other QB and the “what if” factor. It leaves no room for error, making mistakes, growing, maturing and getting the benefit of the doubt in the court of public opinion.
The upcoming game against the Steelers represents a critical moment for Gabriel and the Browns. If they can achieve a much-needed victory, it may provide some breathing room for the coaching staff, but if not, the scrutiny surrounding the decision to bench Sanders will intensify.
While Watt’s insights reflect the harsh realities of NFL decision-making, they also serve as a reminder of the potential that lies within Shedeur Sanders. As the Browns navigate this pivotal week, all eyes will be on how the quarterback situation unfolds and what it means for the team’s future.
Kevin O’Connell Reveals JJ McCarthy’s Unorthodox Week 7 Role
The Minnesota Vikings sit at 3-2 coming into week 7, after their week 6 bye post-London games, this time with a tough challenge in the Philadelphia Eagles, who are coming off a two-game losing streak against the Denver Broncos and New York Giants.
Whilst on paper the Vikings have one of the best rosters in the NFC – when healthy – the quarterback situation has been rather fluid since the season opening comeback win against the Chicago Bears.
First year starter and second year pro, JJ McCarthy, has been out with an injury since week 3, with Carson Wentz having filled in well in the former National Champion’s absence.
It was thought that McCarthy could return following the bye week, but according to Kevin O’Connell, via Adam Schefter, it will once again be the Carson Wentz show in Minneapolis this weekend.
With J.J. McCarthy still recovering from his high ankle sprain, the Vikings once again will start QB Carson Wentz, who spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with Philadelphia.
“With J.J. McCarthy still recovering from his high ankle sprain,” Schefter reported on Friday, “the Vikings once again will start QB Carson Wentz, who spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with Philadelphia.”
JJ McCarthy Still To Have An Active Role Despite Persisting Injury
This would assume that McCarthy would remain inactive for week 7’s outing. However, he has instead been given an unusual role for a player still yet to fully return from injury, as Schefter explains.
Schefter writes that McCarthy will serve as the fairly recent concoction of the “3rd emergency quarterback”, created after the San Francisco 49ers‘ playoff calamity against the Eagles in the 2022 NFC Championship game.
Undrafted free agent and highly-regarded prospect, Max Brosmer, will be the backup on Sunday – maintaining the role he has had over the past few weeks, in McCarthy’s absence and Wentz’s elevation to the starting 11.
When Can The Vikings Expect JJ McCarthy To Return To Action?
Unless things go very south for the Vikings this weekend, the game will be quarterbacked by Wentz, and perhaps Brosmer.
McCarthy continues his recovery from a high ankle sprain suffered in week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, but the fact that he was healthy enough to be named the third choice emergency quarterback does imply that he is moderately close to a recovery.
Consequently, next week’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers could make more sense as a return date. Yet, that game occurs in just 6 days time on the Thursday night broadcast – so that could still be too early for ex-Michigan man to make his comeback to the fold.
Perhaps almost the bigger question is whether Vikings fans and O’Connell really want to see McCarthy suit up as the QB1 moving forward.
All metrics point towards the former 2nd overall pick having played the better football over the course of the season; Wentz has a higher completion rate by 10.5 percentage points, a better yards per attempt and yards per game – and dominates McCarthy’s QBR, 99.5 to 67.2.
The Vikings invested a lot of draft capital in McCarthy, and will almost certainly return him to the starting lineup. But in the short term, the offense could end up suffering.
