It’s no secret that the Cleveland Browns have been a mess this season, with a 2-6 record, but this latest installment of Browns dysfunction focuses on their quarterback room. Many are asking why second-string quarterback Shedeur Sanders hasn’t been allowed to play, especially considering the team’s QB1’s recent struggles.
Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has chosen to stick with Dillon Gabriel despite his 1-3 record as the team’s starter. His vague response regarding the situation in a post-game press conference left many NFL Media members confused, and some have put him on blast.
Is There Something More to Kevin Stefanski’s Decision Not To Let Shedeur Sanders Play?
Stefanski was asked about potentially changing quarterbacks after the Browns’ 32-13 loss to the New England Patriots, during which the offense struggled mightily. His response, “My focus is where we are right now. That’s not my focus,” has sparked many reactions, including those of ESPN Cleveland analyst Aaron Goldhammer.
“The answers to the questions, and the logic from the moment they drafted him, up until right now, they’re all these incongruencies and inconsistencies,” Goldhammer said. “It’s Browns dysfunction at its finest.”
“There’s something going on here that is weird, strange and dysfunctional… there’s more than meets the eye,” – @HammerNation19 on the Browns and Shedeur Sanders situation. pic.twitter.com/xfHdYNAHGA
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) October 28, 2025
Goldhammer also seemed to suggest there is more to the situation than the public knows about why Stefanski hasn’t given Sanders an opportunity.
“Why did they take him in the fifth round? Who really wanted him? Why didn’t he get any reps and opportunities in training camp when he’s the more talented guy?” Goldhammer questioned. “There’s more than meets the eye.”
According to PFSN’s Quarterback Impact (QBi) metrics, Gabriel has an impact score of 57.2, which comes out to an F grade. That also ranks 34th out of 37 eligible starting quarterbacks. Gabriel’s struggles are evident in the basic box score statistics.
In his four games as the starter, Gabriel has a 59.9% completion rate, with 702 passing yards, five passing touchdowns, and two interceptions. Gabriel is also primarily a pocket passer, limiting the offense’s ground game versatility.
The Browns’ inability to move the ball downfield and score points with Gabriel at quarterback would seem enough to give Sanders a shot. However, Stefanski looks keen on keeping Gabriel as the starter.
Stefanski still has time to change his mind as the team heads into their Week 9 bye. It remains to be seen if he will, in fact, make a change for the team’s Week 10 matchup against the 1-7 New York Jets on Nov. 9.
