The Cleveland Browns have always had their fair share of controversy and excitement, but the recent news surrounding Shedeur Sanders, the highly anticipated fifth-round draft pick, is making waves like never before. As the team’s quarterback situation remains fluid, Shedeur has quickly become one of the most talked-about figures in Cleveland. What’s more, opinions about the young quarterback are as polarized as ever. Some analysts see his potential, while others, including a few NFL legends, are throwing some serious shade his way.

Terry Bradshaw’s Criticism of Sanders

The first big hit against Shedeur Sanders came from none other than Terry Bradshaw, the legendary former quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bradshaw, no stranger to high expectations, did not hold back during his commentary on Sanders. He scoffed at the hype surrounding the fifth-round pick, questioning, “Why is the fifth-rounder getting all this attention? Why? You tell me.” His criticism didn’t stop there. Bradshaw added, “I wouldn’t have taken Shadore. Let somebody else have that problem.”

This comment immediately sparked backlash from Cleveland Browns fans. The rivalry between the Steelers and Browns is well-documented, but this was more than just a typical smack talk. Many saw Bradshaw’s words as dismissive of a promising talent who hasn’t even had the chance to prove himself on the field yet. One fan, reacting strongly to Bradshaw’s remarks, said, “F the Steelers” in a call for unity among Cleveland supporters. The sentiment is clear: Browns fans don’t take kindly to anyone, especially a former Steeler, questioning their team or their players.

From an analytical standpoint, Bradshaw’s criticisms seem to miss the mark. Shedeur Sanders, while drafted in the fifth round, had a standout preseason that garnered a lot of attention, not just from fans, but from analysts too. Despite being a fifth-round pick, Sanders’ preseason numbers were stellar, and his ability to add excitement to the game and boost ticket sales and jersey revenue has been invaluable to the franchise. Critics of Bradshaw’s take have pointed out that there’s no reason to write off Sanders as a failure before he’s even had the chance to show what he can do.

Mike Greenberg’s Take on Cleveland’s Quarterback Situation

Despite the criticism from Bradshaw, ESPN’s Mike Greenberg sees a bright future for Sanders. Greenberg, known for his in-depth analysis and insightful commentary, has consistently praised Sanders’ talent. Reflecting on the 2025 NFL Draft, Greenberg said, “There was not one draft analyst who said this guy can’t play at all. Not one.” He further noted that Sanders had been projected by many to be a first-round pick, and he found it baffling that Sanders slipped all the way to the fifth round.

Greenberg also expressed confusion over why Sanders fell so far in the draft, speculating that factors unrelated to his football skills might have been at play. Some have pointed to Sanders’ decision to turn down certain teams, like the Baltimore Ravens and the Philadelphia Eagles, as a potential factor in his draft day slide. Greenberg added, “I never thought it was about his football ability,” which resonates with many fans who believe the narrative around Sanders is unfairly influenced by off-field factors, rather than his on-field potential.

As the Browns prepare for the future, Greenberg sees Sanders as an essential piece of the puzzle. “When it’s time for Joe Flacco to pass the torch, Gabriel (Dylan Gabriel, another quarterback for the Browns) will be next in line, and then Sanders will have his opportunity,” Greenberg predicted.

The Debate Between Gabriel and Sanders

Currently, Dylan Gabriel is listed as the backup quarterback, with Shedeur Sanders sitting at number three on the depth chart. This has led to even more debate among Browns fans about the future of the team’s quarterback position. Greenberg noted that while both Gabriel and Sanders have shown promise, the fact remains that the Browns’ offense, particularly in the passing game, has struggled so far this season. With Flacco, a 40-year-old veteran, holding the starting position, it’s clear the Browns are in a bit of a quarterback conundrum.

The Browns’ passing stats this season are concerning. They are first in the NFL in pass play percentage, but dead last in yards per pass. With Flacco tied for second in the league for interceptions, and a poor completion percentage ranking them 24th in the league, there is a growing sense that Cleveland needs to take a serious look at their young quarterbacks. Both Gabriel and Sanders are waiting on the sidelines, and their potential could be the key to revitalizing the offense. If the team gives them a shot, fans may finally get to see a future quarterback who can lead them back to the top.

The Impact of Sanders and the Browns’ Draft Strategy

While the focus is on the quarterback position, it’s important to note that the Browns’ front office, led by General Manager Andrew Berry, has been making some solid moves in the draft. In 2025, the Browns made a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, giving up their number two overall pick for a number of later-round picks and, potentially, a future top-10 pick from Jacksonville.

Mike Greenberg also praised the Browns’ draft strategy, noting that while some criticized the trade on draft day, the team came away with several immediate-impact rookies, including defensive tackle Mason Graham and running back Quinn Sean Judkins. Graham has already made a significant impact on Cleveland’s defense, while Judkins has shown promise as a key part of the Browns’ backfield. With this trade, the Browns appear to have positioned themselves for a strong future, and if their quarterbacks can develop, they could be in a good position to contend for years to come.

Injury Updates and the Future of the Browns

As the season progresses, the Browns are also dealing with a few injury concerns. The good news, however, is that several key players, including cornerback Denzel Ward and defensive tackle Shelby Harris, have returned to practice. Ward, who had been dealing with a toe injury, is expected to play in the upcoming game against the Detroit Lions, which is a huge boost for Cleveland’s defense. With a defense that is ranked first in total yards allowed and second in sacks, the Browns are positioning themselves as one of the league’s top teams on that side of the ball.

The Lions, on the other hand, have their own injury concerns, with star tackle Taylor Decker sitting out of practice. This could be a potential opening for the Browns to exploit, given their elite pass rush.

Looking Ahead: Sanders’ Chance to Shine

Despite the challenges, both on and off the field, Shedeur Sanders still has a chance to prove his doubters wrong. While the criticism from Terry Bradshaw and the confusion over his draft-day slide are frustrating, Sanders remains a promising young talent. If he gets the chance to take the field, there’s a chance he could help the Browns turn things around.

For now, the Browns remain in a state of uncertainty at quarterback. With Flacco aging and struggling, fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see what Gabriel and Sanders can do. Only time will tell if one of them can rise to the occasion and lead Cleveland to the promised land. For now, though, the future looks bright, with a solid defense and young talent at key positions. The Shedeur Sanders saga is far from over, and Browns fans are on the edge of their seats, hoping to see this young quarterback finally fulfill his potential.