The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback plan moves from evaluation to action this week with Shedeur Sanders in contention for his first NFL start. Kevin Stefanski and Co. have sharpened concepts around the young passer, who they say has made noticeable strides in meetings and on the practice field. The focus is on comfort, timing, and full-speed reps before the trip to Las Vegas.
Kevin Stefanski Gives the Nod To Shedeur Sanders
Coach Stefanski highlighted the development he’s seen from both quarterbacks while outlining how the offense will be tailored for a first-time starter.
“I just see Shedeur, Dillon growing a ton both with the Xs and Os and all the work in individual periods. I do see significant growth in Shedeur. He’ll get every rep,” Stefanski said, emphasizing practice volume and concept clarity.
Stefanski: ‘I just see Shedeur, Dillon growing a ton both with the Xs and Os and all the work in individual periods. I do see significant growth in Shedeur. … He’ll get every rep.’
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) November 19, 2025
Stefanski added that comfort within the call sheet is the priority as the staff builds the Week 12 plan. “I think you’re always trying to do that with all your players to make sure that they are comfortable, and it’s no different with Shedeur in there,” he said.
“You want to make sure that all the concepts are things that he feels confident in. Obviously, having been around him over the months, you get a good sense of the things that fit his eyes. So, definitely want to lean into those types of things, and he’s working very hard.”
Stefanski noted the club would finalize details midweek as they shift into Raiders preparation.
Shedeur Sanders to Start as QB1 vs. Raiders in Week 12
The Browns confirmed Shedeur Sanders will make his first NFL start in Week 12, with practice structured to give him full first-team work ahead of the matchup in Las Vegas. The determination follows a week of significant reps and a plan to lean into concepts the staff believes fit the quarterback’s eyes and rhythm.
Sanders’ elevation to QB1 arrives with the coaching staff underscoring the importance of timing with primary targets and operational tempo. The emphasis this week is on individual-period work, translating it to full-team periods, route timing in practice, matching game speed, and a call sheet tailored to what the young quarterback clearly sees. Stefanski’s comments reflect that approach.
Cleveland’s messaging around the start remained consistent with its health-first stance at the position and the broader plan to keep the offense on schedule. With Wednesday marking the pivot to full Raiders preparation, the Browns positioned Sanders to take all quarterback reps as they finalize protections, route distributions, and situational sequences for Sunday.
Stefanski’s comments throughout the week emphasized process and growth — individual work building into team periods, concepts refined to match the quarterback’s strengths, and a commitment to high practice volume. As the Browns enter Las Vegas preparations, the team reiterates that installation will lean into what Sanders “feels confident in,” an approach intended to stabilize the offense around a first-time starter.
