While the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition is over with Joe Flacco being named the starter, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel still had a chance to showcase their respective skill sets in Cleveland’s final preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
However, after the game, many felt that Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and his coaching staff didn’t give Sanders a fair shot.
Analysts Criticize Kevin Stefanski’s Handling of Shedeur Sanders
Saturday’s matchup against the Rams did not go as Sanders had hoped. Entering the second half, he played five drives but struggled to make an impact, completing just 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards. He was also sacked five times, putting added pressure on a young quarterback still working to establish himself in the NFL.
Sanders’ preseason ended in controversy. Instead of giving him a final drive with two minutes left and the Browns trailing by three points, Stefanski sent in Tyler Huntley, who is a virtual lock to get cut in the next 72 hours.
The decision sparked immediate criticism and speculation that the coaching staff was intentionally holding back Sanders and not letting him shine.
Sports analyst Robert Littal shared his opinion on X, ripping Stefanski’s decision.
“It appears to me coach didn’t want Shedeur to go win the game because he didn’t want to hear all the convo about Shedeur leading a great 2 min drill…” Littal said. “Wanted the last memory of him was looking bad so when they bury him it would look justified. That’s shady and untrustworthy behavior so they should just let him go.”
It appears to me coach didn’t want Shedeur to go win the game because he didn’t want to hear all the convo about Shedeur leading a great 2 min drill. Now who knows if he would have or not but coach didn’t want to take that chance. Wanted the last memory of him was looking bad so…
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) August 23, 2025
“A head coach had an opportunity to instill some confidence in his young QB who was having a bad day,” Littal continued. “But chose to make sure the last thing that QB will remember for a long time was that poor experience. I refuse to believe that was an accident. You can disagree but that’s how I feel”
NFL insider Josina Anderson also weighed in on X.
“Kevin Stefanski was way too diplomatic today with how he handled his QB evaluation–as far as what was necessary & what wasn’t. The head coach has to also be cognizant of actions that build his guys up vs. introducing more mental static than necessary,” she stated. “Oh, and there was no need to see Joe Flacco play today and take up valuable evaluation reps.”
Kevin Stefanski was way too diplomatic today with how he handled his QB evaluation–as far as what was necessary & what wasn’t. The head coach has to also be cognizant of actions that build his guys up vs. introducing more mental static than necessary.
Second, unless Shedeur… https://t.co/YnDuOv67Xe
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 23, 2025
Littal and Anderson weren’t the only analysts criticizing Stefanski for this decision, as Tony Jones from The Athletic added: “I believe Sheduer was set up today by his coaching staff. And I believe the way the Browns have treated him this preseason has been disgusting.”
Like Anderson, former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh wondered why Joe Flacco was playing any preseason reps and speculated that Stefanski’s questionable handling of Sanders was to avoid a quarterback controversy.
Kevin Stefanski put his thumb on the scale to justify and protect his 3rd Round pick in Dillon Gabriel plain and simple. pic.twitter.com/TaDkjKkRxK
— Ossacin’s Ducktail (@OssacinDucktail) August 24, 2025
Despite the difficult performance, Sanders’ ability and promise remain evident. Even though his final exhibition game was disappointing, he showed flashes and potential throughout the preseason.
Now, the Browns’ front office must decide whether Sanders makes the 53-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s roster cutdown day.
Stefanski Clears the Air on Replacing Sanders With Tyler Huntley
Stefanski spoke to the media after the game to explain the decision to replace Sanders with Huntley.
“Obviously, we didn’t play great as an offense in the second half,” Stefanski said. “That’s never on one person… We can be better in a bunch of areas… We just felt like we wanted to give [Huntley] the last drive.”
Kevin Stefanski on why Shedeur Sanders didn’t lead the 2-min drill at the end of the game pic.twitter.com/MmxLliYUKY
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 23, 2025
Stefanski labeled Sanders “a competitive kid” after the quarterback was visibly unhappy with the Browns’ decision to not let him finish the game.
Sanders was clearly frustrated with the decision, but after the game, he provided a composed response that shows he is ready for life in the NFL.
“In the heat of the battle, you want to be that alpha,” Sanders said about his frustration. “You want to be that dog. You want to be out there in that final two-minute drive. So, of course, small things, of course, frustrate, but that’s what happens when you want to be a player to be able to change a franchise.”
