Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders shines in victory over Steelers and looks ahead to Bengals clash
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is making his mark as the team’s starter, showcasing his talents with a second victory in just six starts. The fifth-round draft pick from Colorado led his squad to a notable win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, further solidifying his place in the lineup.
Learning from Every Play
Head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasizes the importance of growth for Sanders, encouraging him to extract lessons from each snap. “I think the big message for all players, and definitely at the quarterback position, is to learn from every single play,” Stefanski stated. He stressed that while some plays merit recognition of the defense’s effectiveness, others call for decisive action when the offense reads the coverage correctly.
Sanders’ development has not gone unnoticed. As he continues to navigate the complexities of the position, he is gaining invaluable experience that will shape his future.
One Last Chance to Impress
Looking ahead, Sanders will have one final opportunity to showcase his skills when the Browns face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18. This matchup is particularly poignant; it marks the same opponent against whom the season began. At that time, veteran Joe Flacco was the starting quarterback for Cleveland, but he now finds himself as a backup for Joe Burrow on the opposing sideline. The transformation in the Browns has been significant, largely due to Sanders’ emergence as a promising player.
This upcoming game serves as a crucial moment for the Browns as they evaluate Sanders’ potential for the 2026 season. Stefanski reflects on the team’s dedication to player development, noting the inevitable ups and downs young quarterbacks face. “There’s always going to be ups and downs, and we just have to learn from each one of these opportunities,” he explained. “Yesterday was a great learning opportunity where there’s some really high-level stuff out there.”
Preparing for the Season Finale
As the Browns prepare to close out the season against the Bengals, the focus remains on building for the future. “You want to put your team in position to go win the game,” Stefanski added, encapsulating the dual mission of winning now while developing young talent.
The clash against Cincinnati is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, taking place at Paycor Stadium. Fans eager to see Sanders in action can catch the game on CBS or stream it via the Paramount Plus app. With the season coming to a close, all eyes will be on how Sanders performs in this pivotal matchup.
