Shedeur Sanders Prepares for Crucial Test Against 49ers as Browns Address Rookie Challenges
As Shedeur Sanders readies himself for his second professional start, optimism is palpable among Cleveland Browns fans. With a promising 1-0 record as an NFL starter, expectations are high for this franchise that has struggled historically at the quarterback position. However, despite the win against the Raiders, it is clear that Sanders has areas he must improve if he hopes to solidify his future with the team, especially with two first-round picks on the horizon for next April’s draft.
Staying in the Pocket
Sanders showcased flashes of potential during the Browns’ 24-10 victory over the Raiders, particularly when he rolled to his right on broken plays. A standout moment came in the first quarter when he connected with Isiah Bond for a 52-yard completion, setting the stage for Quinshon Judkins’ first touchdown. Yet, while Sanders displayed his ability to extend plays, he often opted to leave the pocket prematurely.
This tendency hindered his performance, as multiple incompletions resulted from him drifting away from clean throwing opportunities. Although the offensive line provided solid protection, Sanders’ impatience led him to miss critical windows where receivers were breaking free. By rolling out or moving backward, he reduced his field of vision, causing him to overlook potential targets on the opposite side of the field.
Throwing with Anticipation
Another area where Sanders needs growth is in throwing with anticipation. Too often, he was not poised to deliver the ball as receivers rounded their routes. An example of this was a missed opportunity to connect with Jerry Jeudy, who had a prime one-on-one matchup after the Raiders’ defense bit hard on a run fake. Instead of capitalizing on the opening, Sanders either failed to recognize the moment or lacked confidence in his ability to make the throw.
On that play, Jeudy ran a deep comeback route, and with the cornerback turned away, Sanders should have planted his foot and launched the pass. Instead, he ended up scrambling toward the sideline, resulting in a short throw that fell out of bounds, missing a golden opportunity.
Moving Defenders
The ability to manipulate defenders is crucial for any quarterback, but Sanders struggled in this aspect as well. He did not effectively move linebackers or safeties out of their lanes, often locking onto his primary target without utilizing pump fakes or head movements to create space. This lack of deception meant that defenders were able to anticipate his throws, limiting the effectiveness of the passing game.
Cleveland’s offensive scheme also contributed to these challenges. Route development at times was sluggish, which compounded Sanders’ impatience and led him to flee the pocket too quickly. Notably, he only attempted two passes from under center out of 12 plays, with the remaining 18 attempts coming from the shotgun. This reliance on shotgun formations restricts the offense and must be addressed moving forward.
A Tough Challenge Ahead
Looking ahead to Sunday, Sanders faces a daunting challenge as the 49ers and their formidable defense come to Huntington Bank Field. With weather conditions potentially complicating matters for quarterbacks, Sanders will need to step up his game significantly. While he did manage a solid performance against the Raiders, the road ahead is long. For Sanders to become the reliable option the Browns are searching for, he must refine his game and tackle these critical areas of improvement.
