Shedeur Sanders Faces Major Setback After Rough NFL Preseason Performance: What Went Wrong?

Shedeur Sanders had high hopes coming into the NFL preseason, with many expecting him to follow in his father’s legendary footsteps. After all, he had shown remarkable talent in college, particularly with his impressive performances at Colorado. However, his second professional outing in Cleveland left much to be desired, and it’s quickly become one of the most talked-about rookie struggles this season.

Sanders’ NFL debut had already garnered a lot of attention, but his performance during the Browns’ final preseason game was a disappointing one. Despite the hype and his earlier success with the Carolina Panthers, the young quarterback’s performance left many questioning his readiness for the big league.

The Preseason Struggles: A Nightmare Performance

Shadore Sanders entered the game with high expectations but quickly fell apart under pressure. The numbers speak for themselves: Sanders completed only three out of six passes for just 14 yards and zero touchdowns, resulting in a dismal 56.3 passer rating. The statistics alone might seem underwhelming, but they don’t tell the full story of his tough outing. Sanders took five sacks during the game, making it clear that his offensive line couldn’t protect him, but his pocket awareness also seemed to be a major issue.

Sanders finished the game with more sacks than completed passes—five sacks to be exact, for a net total of negative 27 yards on 11 dropbacks. These numbers raised serious concerns, especially considering the fact that he was playing against the Rams’ fourth-string defense.

In comparison, his fellow rookies, like Dylan Gabriel, had much better showings, completing 12 out of 19 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. Gabriel’s performance was far more consistent, leaving many to wonder why Sanders couldn’t get his game together.

Shadore Sanders’ Flaws Revealed

While the sack numbers and his lack of yardage were already alarming, a deeper look into Sanders’ performance reveals a crucial flaw that has been evident throughout his career: his pocket awareness. Sanders often tries to make plays that aren’t there, holding on to the ball too long instead of getting rid of it quickly.

One play in particular stood out during this game. Sanders dropped back, only to see his left tackle completely beaten by an edge rusher. Instead of throwing the ball away, he tried to escape, running backwards and eventually getting caught between two defenders for a major loss. This kind of hero-ball mentality has been a recurring theme in Sanders’ career, and it’s one that continues to plague his development as a quarterback.

Even when he did manage to break free from pressure, his decision-making didn’t improve. Sanders’ refusal to throw the ball away or reset the play when under duress has led to unnecessary sacks and lost yardage. While his physical talent is undeniable, his inability to adjust under pressure is holding him back.

A Closer Look at Sanders’ Stats

Looking at Sanders’ stats, it’s clear that his struggles aren’t just a one-off incident. He had the most time to throw among all preseason quarterbacks, averaging 3.96 seconds per play, yet he was sacked 35% of the time he faced pressure. To put that into perspective, quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson, who are known for their ability to evade sacks, were sacked at a much lower rate, around 21.5% and 11.3%, respectively.

This discrepancy is troubling for Sanders, as it indicates that while he has time to make plays, his inability to escape pressure and make the right decisions under duress is a glaring weakness. With the Browns’ offensive line struggles and his tendency to hold on to the ball too long, it’s no wonder that his numbers are so poor.

The Browns’ Handling of Sanders

While Sanders’ performance was far from ideal, it’s important to acknowledge the circumstances surrounding the game. The Cleveland Browns have been experimenting with their quarterback room throughout the preseason, and Shadore was thrown into a difficult situation.

Veteran Joe Flacco started the game with a solid performance, completing nine out of 10 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. Rookie Dylan Gabriel then followed with a good showing of his own, completing 12 of 19 passes for 129 yards and another touchdown. However, when Sanders took the field in the second half, the Browns’ decision to put him behind an offensive line filled with backups did him no favors.

This lack of support on the field made it nearly impossible for Sanders to succeed, and it’s clear that the Browns’ coaching staff may have mishandled his opportunity to prove himself. Coach Kevin Stefanski’s decision to sit Sanders and bring in Tyler Huntley, who would be cut the next day, only added to the controversy.

Even former NFL quarterback Derek Carr voiced his frustration, questioning why the Browns didn’t give Sanders a chance to run a two-minute drill or get more reps to build his confidence for the future. With the team’s lack of consistency and poor handling of Sanders’ role, it’s difficult to assess his true potential at this point.

Can Shadore Sanders Bounce Back?

Despite his poor performance, it’s too early to count Sanders out. His raw talent, particularly his arm strength, is evident, and he has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his college career. The key for Sanders moving forward will be whether he can develop the necessary skills to succeed at the next level, particularly his ability to handle pressure and improve his decision-making.

The Browns’ quarterback situation remains fluid, and Sanders still has a spot on the roster. However, with the team’s strong competition and a lack of development opportunities, Sanders may struggle to earn a starting role any time soon.

The Road Ahead for Sanders

While Shadore Sanders may have played his worst game as a professional, it’s not the end of his career. If he can take the time to refine his skills and work on his weaknesses, there is still potential for him to succeed in the NFL. However, the path forward won’t be easy, especially if he continues to struggle with pressure and decision-making.

For now, the Browns’ handling of Sanders remains a question mark, but the key takeaway here is that the young quarterback still has a chance—if he’s willing to put in the work to address his flaws. The next few months will be critical for Sanders’ development, and whether or not he can capitalize on future opportunities will determine if he can overcome this rough start to his professional career.