After a strong showing in his first career NFL start on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has earned the right to keep his job as the starter.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that even though fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel has cleared concussion protocol, Sanders will remain the team’s starting quarterback for next Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Sanders replaced Gabriel in the second half of last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens and admittedly was overwhelmed by his first taste of NFL action. With a full week to prepare as the starter against the Raiders, the former Colorado star shined as he led the Browns to a 24-10 victory, becoming the franchise’s first quarterback to win his first career start since 1995.
Sanders threw for 209 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the victory. He made plays that wowed his teammates and outside evaluators alike. Despite his impressive outing, Stefanski initially hesitated to commit to him as the starting quarterback going forward.
“I’m not going to get into that. Obviously proud of [Sanders]. I’m proud of this offense, and there are a ton of things to learn from. But I’m going to worry about today,” Stefanski said after the win. When asked about his process for naming a starter, he responded, “I’m always going to take my time and do what’s best for the football team.”
It didn’t take very long for Stefanski to hand the reins to Sanders, who is hoping to seize the opportunity to solidify himself as Cleveland’s quarterback of the future.
Sanders will face a tough test on Sunday against a 49ers team that will be playing on a short week after facing the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football.
