Shedeur Sanders Defends Kevin Stefanski From ‘Rude’ Question After Embarrassing Loss to 49ers

Many have wondered if Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was not happy having Shedeur Sanders lead his offense.

Shedeur Sanders Defends Kevin Stefanski From ‘Rude’ Question After Embarrassing Loss to 49ers

Shedeur Sanders defended Kevin Stefanski (Image via FOX Sports/Ball Don't Lie/X)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

For a long time, there has been a general feeling among fans and analysts that Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has been holding Shedeur Sanders back.

Those rumors started from the preseason, when the 43-year-old was alleged to have influenced the front office to let go of offensive linemen who had built chemistry with their 5th-round pick QB.

Then, as the season progressed, there were questions about whether Stefanski would ever play Sanders, and some urged the Colorado Buffaloes star to seek a trade.

Those accusations against the head coach took another step forward after the Texas native’s lack of 1st-team reps played a part in his disappointing debut.

Even though Shedeur Sanders has tried to avoid ‘controversial’ questions about his head coach, the rookie QB found himself facing another when a reporter asked if Stefanski was not ‘aggressive’ enough on 4th downs.

First, that’s a rude question to ask, if I think it’s a great call by my coach… I like being out there playing… We not going to be here and ever point finger at no coaches or do anything like that. That’s extremely disrespectful, and that’s not even in my place.

Shedeur Sanders replied

The 23-year-old finished his reply by stating that he was grateful to be in the position that he is in. But he did address that it was he and his teammates who could not execute the play his head coach called.

Shedeur Sanders shifts blame to himself

In this game against the San Francisco 49ers, Shedeur Sanders had all of 149 yards to show in his second full start as the leading quarterback of the Cleveland Browns.

Kevin Stefanski patting Shedeur Sanders on the head
Kevin Stefanski patting Shedeur Sanders on the head (Image via Brandon Little/X)

He connected on one touchdown, but did not have much else to show for. Since reporters were trying to lead him into criticizing Kevin Stefanski, the Colorado star changed the narrative and shifted the blame to himself.

I just got to be better, overall. I’ve got to be able to rally everyone when adversity hits. Even when I’m off, I’ve got great teammates around me to pick me up and keep going. I’ve just gotta have more of a role.

Shedeur Sanders told reporters

Shedeur Sanders is probably aware that there are several people out there who are trying to get him to say something that would undermine all the hard work he has put in so far.

From creating specific clips revealing his egoistic side to such leading questions that would tempt him to blame his coaches or teammates, all are instances of efforts to set him up to fail.

Maybe that is why he took this approach and first stopped reporters from asking such questions, and then pinned the blame on him. This approach could help him in the long run.

Shedeur Sanders takes accountability for embarrassing loss

After winning his 1st full start as a quarterback in the NFL, Sanders went up against a good San Francisco 49ers’ defense, which ensured he ended his night with an embarrassing 16 QBR.

Despite that, head coach Kevin Stefanski had announced that his current starting QB would continue to be the starter when they welcome the Tennessee Titans. When asked for a reaction to that news, Shedeur Sanders said:

We fell short today, and you just can’t continue doing that. I know we let a lot of people down, we let the coaches down… We’ll be ready to go next week.

Shedeur Sanders told Mary Kay Cabot

The rookie’s words suggest he was placing the accountability on himself and his teammates, as collectively, he believes they failed Browns fans and the team’s leading personnel.

Next week, they will face the league-worst Tennessee Titans. It will be the first battle between No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward and the player who felt he should have been selected in his fellow rookie’s place.

Also Read: