Shedeur Sanders: Browns' Starting QB For Preseason Opener?

David

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Post on Aug 08, 2025

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Shedeur Sanders: Will He Start for the Browns in the Preseason Opener?

The Cleveland Browns' preseason is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2023 NFL season, and a significant part of that intrigue centers around one name: Shedeur Sanders. The son of Coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur arrives in Cleveland with considerable hype following a standout college career at Jackson State. But will the young quarterback be named the starter for the Browns' preseason opener? Let's delve into the possibilities.

The Shedeur Sanders Factor: Hype vs. Reality

Shedeur Sanders isn't just any rookie. His pedigree is undeniable, inheriting both athleticism and a fierce competitive spirit from his legendary father. His performance at Jackson State, where he threw for over 70 touchdowns and nearly 7,000 yards in two seasons, solidified his reputation as a highly skilled passer. However, the jump from the FCS level to the NFL is substantial. The competition is fiercer, the schemes more complex, and the pressure infinitely greater.

This leads to the key question: Is he ready for a starting role, even in a preseason game?

The Browns' Quarterback Room: A Competitive Landscape

Cleveland's quarterback room is far from settled. While veteran Josh Dobbs seems to have the inside track on the backup role behind Deshaun Watson, the competition for the third-string spot and future opportunities is fierce. Shedeur Sanders faces stiff competition from other quarterbacks on the roster vying for playing time and a chance to prove themselves. The preseason games will be crucial for evaluating the entire quarterback depth chart.

Preseason Significance: More Than Just Exhibition Games

It’s important to remember that preseason games are more than just exhibition matches. They are vital opportunities for players to showcase their skills, gain valuable experience, and impress the coaching staff. For Shedeur Sanders, a strong performance in the opener could significantly boost his chances of making the team and potentially securing a future role within the organization. Even if he doesn't start, significant playing time will be critical for his development and evaluation.

Factors Influencing the Starting Decision:

Several factors will likely influence Coach Kevin Stefanski's decision on the starting quarterback for the preseason opener:

• Shedeur's performance in training camp: His progress and command of the offense during practices will play a major role.
• The coaching staff's evaluation: Stefanski and his team will assess his readiness and potential against the high level of competition within the Browns' own practices and scrimmages.
• Injury prevention: The Browns will need to carefully balance the need to evaluate Shedeur with the risk of injury to a promising young player.
• Overall team strategy: The Browns' overarching plan for the preseason and how they intend to utilize their roster will factor into the decision.

Conclusion: A Wait-and-See Approach

Ultimately, whether Shedeur Sanders starts the Browns' preseason opener remains to be seen. While his talent and potential are undeniable, his inexperience at the NFL level presents a significant hurdle. The coming weeks of training camp will be crucial in determining his readiness and the Browns' plans for him. Keep an eye on the Browns' official website and other reputable sports news outlets for updates and announcements regarding the starting quarterback lineup. This is a storyline worth following closely!

Keywords: Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns, Preseason, NFL, Quarterback, Josh Dobbs, Deion Sanders, Training Camp, Preseason Opener, NFL Preseason Games, Jackson State.