The Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry is taking a strategic approach to ensure rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders gets a legitimate opportunity, even as head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees remain hesitant.
Sanders made his NFL debut in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens, entering the game after starter Dillon Gabriel left with a concussion, but the fifth-round rookie struggled, completing 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards and throwing an interception.
And ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith believes the lack of preparation for Sanders in the contest highlighted an internal divide between the coaching team and the front office.
“From my understanding, you’ve got an offensive coordinator and a head coach that aren’t necessarily sold on Shedeur Sanders,” Smith said. “You’ve got a general manager that has a lot of faith in him and wants him to succeed.
“They might see something and they might not believe in him from a football standpoint, I got that part.
“Where Kevin Stefanski loses me, you’re a two-time Coach of the Year… how does a quarterback go out there in a game like that and look so ill-prepared?”
Suggesting Berry‘s influence may push the Browns‘ staff to give Sanders a fair shot despite Stefanski‘s reservations, Smith explained his perspective comes from a personal connection with Stefanski‘s father, Ed Stefanski, a longtime Detroit Pistons executive.
That relationship makes Smith more inclined to support Kevin Stefanski while noting organizational tensions. He noted Stefanski and Rees might not share Berry‘s conviction regarding Sanders‘ readiness.
This discrepancy is notable, as the head coach admitted being surprised when the Browns traded backup Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals for a fifth-round pick during Gabriel‘s tenure.
For the first time in six years of collaboration, Stefanski and Berry might not be aligned on personnel decisions. Sanders‘ performance against the Ravens made the division clear, as the rookie appeared unprepared against a stout defensive unit.
Sanders‘ struggles included repeatedly turning his back to Baltimore‘s defensive line, resulting in costly sacks as questions about his development have arisen while the Browns‘ staff restricted first-team reps.
It’s a common practice for backup quarterbacks during the season, and Stefanski reportedly planned a redshirt season for Sanders this year, informing offensive coaches privately.
Sanders’ home burgled during NFL debut
Adding to the rookie’s turbulent debut, Sanders‘ Cleveland home was burglarized Sunday evening. Similar incidents have affected other NFL stars, including Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Cameron Jordan since last season.
Police report that roughly $200,000 in property was stolen during the break-in. Three masked suspects entered Sanders‘ home around 6:46 p.m. ET and exited by 6:58 p.m., with surveillance footage confirming their movements through the property.
The Medina County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. Remarkably, the burglary occurred while Sanders was participating in his NFL debut at Huntington Bank Field, a fact that has drawn attention to the timing and coordination of the crime.
Stefanski confirmed that Sanders will start next Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 23 – if Gabriel remains in concussion protocol.
