Kevin Stefanski Criticized for Handling Shedeur Sanders in NFL Debut

In a recent episode of the “Nightcap” podcast, NFL analyst Shannon Sharpe took aim at Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski after rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders faced a challenging debut in a 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Lack of Preparation for Shedeur Sanders

Sharpe labeled Stefanski’s decision to not give Sanders any practice reps with the starting offense as “malpractice.” This criticism came after Sanders was thrust into action during the second half when starter Dillon Gabriel left the game with a concussion.

• Game Moments:
  • Shedeur Sanders entered the game with 12:43 left in the third quarter.
  • He completed 4 of 16 passes for a mere 47 yards, alongside one interception.

Quotes from Shannon Sharpe

Sharpe remarked on the situation, questioning the lack of preparation for Sanders, stating:

"To say the first time Shedeur Sanders had taken a snap with the starters was malpractice… at no point in time did you think Dillon Gabriel could possibly get hurt?"

He expressed deep disappointment in not giving Sanders any snaps with the first team since his draft in May, emphasizing the importance of readiness at the quarterback position.

Kevin Stefanski Defends His Strategy

In response to the criticisms, Coach Stefanski defended his approach during a press conference earlier in the week. He highlighted the necessity for Gabriel to receive ample reps, especially since he is a young quarterback. Stefanski noted:

"With a young quarterback, with Dillon starting, you want to make sure he gets a lot of the reps."

Performance Under Pressure

Despite being the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur faced an uphill battle against a formidable Ravens defense. Following the game, Sanders reflected on his performance:

"I don’t think I played good at all."

His struggle to find rhythm contributed to a lackluster performance for the Browns’ offense, which totaled only 187 yards, with 64 of those coming during Sanders’ time under center.

Reactions from the Team

Team veteran defensive end Myles Garrett, who had an impressive game with four sacks on Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, revealed that Sanders stepped up in the locker room post-game to accept responsibility for the loss, demonstrating leadership even in a tough situation.

Upcoming Challenges for the Browns

With the loss against the Ravens, the Browns’ record fell to 2-8, marking their third consecutive defeat. The team is set to face the Las Vegas Raiders (2-7) next Sunday, who are coming off a short week as they prepare for a Monday Night Football match against the Dallas Cowboys.

Summary

• Key Players: Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Myles Garrett
• Next Game: Cleveland Browns vs. Las Vegas Raiders
• Current Record: Cleveland Browns (2-8)

As the Browns look to regroup, the focus will be on the development of their quarterbacks under pressure and the strategic decisions made by the coaching staff. For further insights into NFL strategies and player performance, check out this analysis.

By addressing these critical areas, the Browns can hope to turn the tide in the upcoming games.