Stephen A. Smith Feels Browns Are Deliberately Setting up Shedeur Sanders To “Fail”

Shedeur Sanders is set to start for the Browns against the Panthers without even taking any practice snaps with the first team during training camp.

Stephen A. Smith Feels Browns Are Deliberately Setting up Shedeur Sanders To “Fail”

Stephen A. Smith and Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO/X)

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Stephen A. Smith views Shedeur Sanders‘ impending debut for the Cleveland Browns differently compared to Myles Garrett. While the star pass rusher is looking forward to seeing the rookie quarterback leading the team in action against the Carolina Panthers, Smith believes the Browns are throwing Sander to the wolves.

In the latest episode of ESPN’s Get Up, Stephen A. argued that Sanders is being “set up to fail” because the coaches never gave him the chance to practice with first-team players. He was stuck taking reps with either the second or the third stringers.

So, you’re just going to throw [Shedeur Sanders] to the wolves like that? If he had first-team snaps in practice, I don’t say that.

Stephen A. Smith said

Smith did not blame the coaches; instead, he targeted the Browns’ owner.

I’m not accusing the coaches of doing this. I’m not accusing the GM of doing this. But that owner, Mr. Haslam, that’s a different animal right there.

Stephen A. Smith said

Kevin Stefanski chose Sanders because they don’t want to risk Joe Flacco picking up an injury in the preseason while Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel recover from hamstring strains.

Garrett might miss the first game, but he’s itching to see Sanders taking on the Panthers’ defense.

[I am] looking forward to seeing him in these preseason games and how he manages the offense. I think he looks good, but all the guys look good right now.

Myles Garrett told the media

The Browns will also introduce their new quarterback at the Bank of America Stadium on Friday. Tyler Huntley signed for the AFC North franchise earlier this week as cover for the rehabbing QBs.

Shedeur Sanders’ message before the Panthers game

Several rookies made their debut on Thursday, the first day of preseason football. Jalen Milroe for the Seahawks, Ashton Jeanty for the Raiders, LaJohntay Wester for the Ravens, Riley Leonard, and Tyler Warren for the Colts, but everyone has eyes on Friday’s game in Carolina.

Stephen A. Smith Feels Browns Are Deliberately Setting up Shedeur Sanders To "Fail"
Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

Fans are eager to see whether Sanders, who was once the frontrunner for the first overall pick, can withstand NFL pressure.

Have you watched me in college? I’m still the same guy, nothing happened to me.

Shedeur Sanders replied when a reporter questioned him after a recent practice (H/T: Men’s Journal)

Sanders introduced himself to the world through his swashbuckling style of play in Colorado. He, under the guidance of head coach/father/HOF Deion Sanders, led the Buffaloes to a bowl game after a nine-year gap. Even though controversial, UC retired Shedeur Sanders’ jersey to honor his contributions.

Throughout the NFL combine and pre-draft visits, he battled with Cam Ward for the first overall pick. However, he slid down to day three of the draft until the Browns selected him in the fifth round.

Since then, the 23-year-old has been battling for a place on the Browns roster against three other quarterbacks, now four after the addition of Huntley. Regardless of his position, Sanders remained composed and continued to grind in training camp.

I know I lack experience in this realm and on this level, but one thing I can hang my hat on is that in all pressure situations, you know who I am. I’m excited. Whenever it is my time to get out there, I’ll be able to be myself.

Shedeur Sanders said

The Browns and the Panthers last played each other in 2022. Stefanski’s Browns won 26-24 that day with Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback.

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