The Browns’ quarterback decision has created a divide that reaches well past the depth chart. Shedeur Sanders is still a major talking point in Cleveland, even after Deshaun Watson was named the Week 1 starter.
The reaction has been strong enough that two local radio hosts are now questioning the intensity surrounding Sanders and his supporters.
Their criticism focuses less on the quarterback himself and more on the way his fans defend him.
Anthony Lima, Ken Carman Question Shedeur Sanders’ Fans
Appearing on “92.3 The Fan”, Anthony Lima and Ken Carman discussed the reaction surrounding Sanders and his supporters. Lima compared the current situation with the attention Tim Tebow received during his playing days, but said Sanders’ following has taken a different path.
“I’m all for busting stones and having fun as long as we’re having fun,” Lima said, before making his larger point about how heavily some Sanders supporters have invested in the quarterback.
Lima said, “They’ve made it their entire online identity posting about one football player.” He then recalled the Tebow era, noting that Tebow supporters also followed Florida football and the SEC rather than focusing solely on the quarterback.
“What strikes me as different, and quite frankly, bizarre with the Shedeur fandom is they don’t think he’s ever capable of criticism,” Lima said. He argued that supporters refuse to question parts of Sanders’ game, including his arm strength, mobility, organization, and cadence.
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“They think he’s Patrick Mahomes now, and he’s just not being given the opportunity,” Lima added.
Carman offered a different explanation for the reaction, pointing toward the Browns’ history and the expectations surrounding the franchise. “I understand that we’re all fans of things that might not be true,” Carman said.
He suggested some younger fans view Cleveland as a perennial loser and believe the team itself must be responsible when Sanders does not receive the role they want for him.
“And they can’t change it right now,” Carman said. “So, they’re going to blame the Browns. It’s that simple. Can’t be their favorite player’s fault.”
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Lima later acknowledged that supporting a favorite player is reasonable, but argued that fans still need to accept criticism when warranted.
“It just seems like another level,” Lima said. He pointed out that some supporters reject the idea that Sanders was a fifth-round pick, question his backup status, and dismiss his poor rookie-season numbers.
“They will not only fight for it, which is admirable. Hey, fight for your guy,” Lima said. “But, like, there has to be some concession here.”
“What strikes me as different and, quite frankly, bizzare with the Shedeur fandom is, they don’t think he’s ever capable of criticism. This just seems like another level.”
➡️ @SportsBoyTony and @KenCarman are not sure the NFL has ever seen this level of fandom for a player pic.twitter.com/o7QupOyeiH
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) September 1, 2026
The discussion comes after Browns coach Todd Monken named Watson the Week 1 starter, while Sanders and Taylen Green take scout-team reps and Dillon Gabriel is put on short-term injured reserve
With Sanders’ role still drawing scrutiny, Lima and Carman’s comments show how the quarterback debate has expanded beyond Cleveland’s depth chart. He ranked second-last in the PFN NFL QB Impact for 2025 and will have to capitalize on potential opportunities to improve in the 2026 season.
Right now, the Browns must manage both the football questions surrounding Sanders and the unusually intense reaction from his supporters.
