Why Kevin Stefanski Is Holding Back on the Quarterback Race After Shedeur Sanders’s Shocking Debut

So what does the game do to the depth chart for the Browns?

Friday night’s preseason opener threw the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback battle into a fresh, buzzing spotlight. Rookie Shedeur Sanders didn’t just step onto the field; he grabbed the moment by the collar—running 47 snaps and leading 68 percent of the offense with crisp throws that racked up 138 yards and two impressive touchdowns. Oh, and let’s not forget his 19 rushing yards on four carries—versatility knocking loudly. Coach Kevin Stefanski, ever the measured strategist, stayed tight-lipped about the quarterback competition postgame, but if you ask me, Sanders’ performance might just have pushed the needle enough to spark a serious shakeup. The young signal-caller’s flawless, on-the-move connection with fellow rookie Luke Floriea had that undeniable spark—something that’ll certainly have the Flacco faithful scratching their heads and the Browns’ faithful dreaming big. With Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel sidelined nursing hamstring injuries, the clock’s ticking, and this quarterback carousel just got way more exhilarating. Stay tuned—this preseason saga promises to deliver more thrills and unexpected twists. LEARN MOREThe Browns have spent too much time in recent seasons ignoring the will of the fans. If the competition is fairly close, why not go with the guy the customers want?“Yeah, we’re really just focused on developing our players,” coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters after the game. “We’re in evaluation mode. I’m pleased with where the guys are, but I’m not diving into the quarterback competition.”Sanders took 47 snaps in the preseason opener, accounting for 68 percent of the offense. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. He added 19 rushing yards on four carries.Stefanski later acknowledged that a throw by Sanders while on the move to rookie receiver Luke Floriea, who made a nice catch, was “pretty special.” It was the kind of moment that boosts both players. And it was the kind of moment that will cause fans who currently are riding with Joe Flacco to consider fully and completely embracing the notion of rolling the dice on the rookie.

Flacco is QB1 for now. Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel have hamstring injuries. Those take time to heal, and both players will feel the clock ticking loudly after Shedeur’s performance.Opportunity knocked on Friday night for Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. He swung the door open.For now, the question is whether Sanders builds on the effort. Also, how will the other quarterbacks in the chase to start in Week 1 react? We’ll see how it plays out. It would be foolish to think Friday night’s game doesn’t change things. But it’s likely the first of a few twists and turns as this competition plays out.Shedeur may force Stefanski to eventually do a cannonball.