Cleveland Browns Reportedly Starting Shedeur Sanders In Preseason Opener

David

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Post on Aug 08, 2025

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Cleveland Browns to Start Shedeur Sanders in Preseason Opener: A Bold Move or Calculated Risk?

The Cleveland Browns are making headlines this week with the announcement that rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, will start the team's preseason opener. This unexpected move has sent shockwaves through the NFL, sparking intense debate among analysts and fans alike. Is this a bold strategy to showcase the young quarterback's potential, or a risky gamble that could backfire spectacularly?

Shedeur Sanders: From Jackson State to the NFL

Shedeur Sanders, a standout quarterback at Jackson State University under his father's coaching, wasn't drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, his impressive college career, marked by strong arm talent and a knack for reading defenses, caught the attention of the Browns. The team signed him as an undrafted free agent, adding him to a quarterback room already featuring veterans Deshaun Watson and Joshua Dobbs, along with other young contenders.

Why the Browns are Starting Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' decision to start Sanders in the preseason opener is likely multifaceted. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski and General Manager Andrew Berry likely want to:

• Evaluate his readiness: Preseason games are crucial for evaluating rookies. Starting Sanders provides a real-game setting to assess his skills against NFL-level competition, including his ability to handle pressure and make quick decisions.
• Showcase his talent: Giving Sanders significant playing time allows the coaching staff to see his strengths and weaknesses firsthand, informing decisions regarding roster cuts and future development plans. A strong performance could significantly boost his chances of making the team.
• Generate excitement: The Sanders name carries significant weight. Starting Shedeur creates buzz around the team and offers valuable media attention, particularly given his father's legendary status. This move is a strategic way to increase fan engagement and attract new viewers to preseason games.

The Risks Involved

However, the decision also presents inherent risks:

• Potential injury: The preseason, while less intense than the regular season, still carries a risk of injury. Starting Sanders exposes him to potential harm, jeopardizing his development and the team's depth at the quarterback position.
• Negative performance impact: A poor performance could damage Sanders' confidence and potentially hinder his future progress. It could also lead to increased scrutiny of the coaching staff's decision-making process.
• Disrupting team chemistry: While competition is healthy, choosing Sanders to start over other quarterbacks on the roster could potentially impact team morale and cohesion.

What to Expect in the Preseason Opener

The preseason opener will be a crucial test for Shedeur Sanders. All eyes will be on him to see if he can leverage his college experience and translate it to the professional level. Will he be able to showcase the accuracy, arm strength, and decision-making that made him a star at Jackson State? The game will also be a key opportunity for Browns fans to get their first glimpse of this exciting young player and assess whether he has what it takes to contribute to the team's success in the upcoming season. Stay tuned!

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Call to Action: What are your thoughts on the Browns starting Shedeur Sanders? Share your predictions in the comments below!