Shedeur Sanders Sees the Light in Browns: Will He Be QB2? Analysis and Details

Shedeur Sanders Sees Light at the End of the Tunnel in Cleveland

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is considering who will be the team’s backup quarterback. Shedeur Sanders, for his part, has expressed his optimism, seeing a “light at the end of the tunnel” after starting as the fourth quarterback in training camp.

“I’m in a great mental space overall,” Sanders said. “You tend to get a little more excited when you see the light at the end of the tunnel, for sure. Whatever my role is here, I’m grateful. I’m happy to do that.”

Shedeur Sanders

Stefanski has not yet confirmed whether Sanders or Bailey Zappe will be Dillon Gabriel’s backup for Sunday’s game against the Steelers, following Joe Flacco’s trade to the Bengals. This move left Gabriel and Sanders as the only quarterbacks on the active roster. Sanders, son of Hall of Famer and college football coach Deion Sanders, has spent the first five games of the season as the team’s inactive emergency quarterback. He had few opportunities in the summer, but managed to make the Browns’ 53-man roster. During the first month of the season, Sanders shared the scout team reps with Gabriel and Zappe. “We will make sure to do everything we can to get Dillon ready for the game,” Sanders added. “I feel very confident in myself. I know that when I arrived, I was ready to play, but it depends on the coaches and whatever decision they make, I agree.” Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees praised Sanders’ preparation.

“We are looking for constant improvement throughout the season, and he has done that,” Rees said. “I think you see the growth and familiarity with the offense and what we ask of those guys. I think the level of preparation that is needed week in and week out when you are preparing a new game plan, that is a learning curve for all rookies. So I think he has gotten more used to that, he has caught up, he is doing a good job in his preparation and understanding what the game plan contains. And when he has had the opportunity to operate it, he has done a good job.”

Tommy Rees

Sanders was criticized last week when he simulated the answers to questions about the Browns’ quarterback change to Gabriel. Sanders responded to critical comments from ESPN analyst Rex Ryan. After saying on the “New Heights” podcast last month that he hopes his son gets a chance with the Browns this season, Deion Sanders said Thursday that Shedeur Sanders “is still smiling” while waiting for his opportunity. “Shedeur is fine. Mentally, emotionally, psychologically, he’s fine,” Deion Sanders said. “He’s smiling. They can’t wipe the smile off his face. Not that they’re trying, but a lot of media personalities are. I can’t wait for him to get his chance and do his thing.”