The Cleveland Browns weren’t planning to showcase Shedeur Sanders in Week 11, but the NFL rarely sticks to the script. When Dillon Gabriel exited with a concussion against the Baltimore Ravens, Sanders had to be the next man up. The result was rocky, but the aftermath has been just as revealing as the performance itself.
Now, with Gabriel unlikely to pass concussion protocol in time for Week 12, all eyes are on Sanders again as he gears up for what could be his first career start, and the pressure is mounting for both him and his head coach.
Kevin Stefanski Highlights Shedeur Sanders’ Fight as Criticism Mounts
Sanders’ NFL debut began with promise: a short strike to Cedric Tillman, quick tempo, and visible confidence. But the momentum evaporated fast. He finished 4-of-16 for 47 yards, with an interception, two sacks, and several missed chances during a fourth-quarter drive that could have tied the game.
Baltimore defenders mocked him, the Cleveland offense sputtered, and a 16-10 halftime lead transformed into a 23-16 defeat, resulting in Cleveland’s eighth loss of the season. Despite the challenges, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski took a balanced approach in his assessment, focusing on what Sanders did well.
“He battled to the end. We were right there on that final drive. There’s so many things all of us can do better,” Stefanski said, praising Sanders’ composure in chaos rather than the stat line.
Stefanski doubled down, pushing back against the narrative that Sanders was unprepared or mishandled throughout the season. “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,” he said.
Stefanski on what Shedeur did best in half v Ravens: ‘He battled to the end. We were right there on that final drive. There’s so many things all of us can do better.’
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) November 19, 2025
These comments come amid criticism that Stefanski didn’t give Sanders enough practice reps before Gabriel’s injury. Players noted that Sanders had hardly thrown to Jerry Jeudy this season until Sunday, which is quite surprising given that he’s been a key player.
The Browns are set to take on the Raiders in Week 12, and this matchup might just be the best chance Sanders has all season. They are currently ranked last with 52.8 in offense in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric. Las Vegas’ defense has been vulnerable time and again, with Dak Prescott recently tearing them apart for four touchdowns.
For a player who endured a rocky pre-draft journey, a polarizing family spotlight, and now a scrutiny-heavy debut, Week 12 could become an inflection point. If he performs well, there is a chance that Cleveland might keep the QB competition going into December. But if he struggles again, the heat will be on Stefanski and the organization’s development strategy.
Regardless of the outcome, Stefanski’s comments about Sanders’ debut make it clear: this evaluation is just getting started. With every snap now in his hands, the real challenge kicks off in Las Vegas.
