Shedeur Sanders walked into the Cleveland Browns training camp as an afterthought, relegated to fourth-string duties and written off by critics. One preseason performance against the Carolina Panthers changed everything.
Now, his own teammates are taking notice, and the rookie quarterback suddenly finds himself in a real battle for the backup job.
How Did Shedeur Sanders Flip the Script So Quickly?
It’s taken only one preseason game for the pendulum to swing back in Sanders’ favor. A week ago, he was seeing nothing but third-team reps. However, after Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel went down with hamstring injuries, he was given the start in the Browns’ first preseason game against the Panthers.
To say he aced his first test would be an understatement. Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the game in the third quarter.
While he showed out, it’s wise to remember he was facing second- and third-stringers. Still, it’s also worth noting that while Sanders has been relentlessly analyzed, he’s been diligently working on his game behind the scenes.
What Do Sanders’ Teammates Think of His Performance So Far?
Cleveland’s locker room response has been overwhelmingly positive. Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was asked about Sanders’ performance, and he shared his thoughts.
“He’s doing a great job,” Jeudy said. “He’s constantly growing each and every day. Learning the offense, learning the scheme. He’s got a bright future ahead of him.”
Jerry Jeudy on Shedeur Sanders’ preseason debut: “He’s got a bright future ahead of him.” pic.twitter.com/vdjxqwXTYP
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 11, 2025
Meanwhile, wide receiver Gage Larvadain added that Sanders is “somebody that people just gravitate to,” before mentioning that they spent the offseason working out together.
Gage and Shedeur got that connection going@g1baller | @shedeursanders pic.twitter.com/YyJG2OkYd2
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 11, 2025
This represents a remarkable turnaround for Sanders, who has been pilloried since the beginning of 2025.
Commentators and analysts cited numerous anonymous reports that Sanders had terrible meetings with coaches and front office personnel. He was no longer praised for his maturity and leadership qualities but instead portrayed as too big for his britches and needing to be taken down a peg.
Sanders didn’t just drop out of the first round during the draft process. He fell all the way to the fifth round. Through it all, he maintained his dignity and sense of humor, taking the humbling moment in stride.
Can Sanders Build on This Momentum Against Tougher Competition?
Now, Sanders and the Browns are entering a critical week in training camp. Cleveland travels to Philadelphia for their second preseason game. While Sanders looked good against Carolina, even Philadelphia’s backups on defense represent a marked step up in terms of competition.
Moreover, Pickett and Gabriel will do everything they can to get back on the field and show that they deserve the backup spot behind Joe Flacco. Sanders has already hopscotched Gabriel in team workouts, moving up the depth chart.
Browns QB order for last 11-on-11: Flacco, Sanders, Gabriel.
In earlier end-of-half situation it was Flacco and Sanders.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) August 11, 2025
If Sanders keeps performing like this, he could secure not just a roster spot but also the Browns’ quarterback number two position behind Flacco.
RELATED: Browns Analyst Breaks Silence on Getting Checked by Shedeur Sanders After QB’s Preseason Debut
The kid who was written off just weeks ago now has his teammates believing in his potential and a real shot at making an impact in Cleveland.
