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Shedeur Sanders May Not Start For the Browns at All This Season, Says ESPN Analyst

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Shedeur Sanders’ mistakes from the past have followed him to the NFL.  During his collegiate career, Sanders played simpler defenses at Jackson State and Colorado. The defences in the NFL, however, are much more complex, which often leaves Sanders flustered.

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky pointed out how Sanders’ disappointing performance against the Rams in their third preseason game was a mirror image of all the mistakes that held him back at his collegiate level. The same mistakes could potentially leave a negative impact on his NFL career.

Shedeur Sanders QB1
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks at the scoreboard during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

ESPN Analyst Dan Orlovsky Warns Shedeur Sanders

During the recent episode of Get Up, Orlovsky broke down the rookie QB’s tape from their third preseason game, which saw Sanders finish three-of-six passes for 14 yards and get sacked five times.

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Orlovsky pointed out the same shortcomings that critics pointed out as Sanders’ most obvious mistakes from his college days. Alongside slow decision-making, Sanders held on to the ball a lot longer than he should have, leading to multiple sacks and fumbles.

Instead of throwing the ball away, Sanders drifts backwards, creating more pressure and ultimately, negative yardage. It happened again against the Rams, leaving him with a loss of 41 yards due to sacks.

Sanders’ poor decision-making is the other side of the coin, alongside his holding onto the ball too long. Catching the snap and not reading into the defense is also something he is guilty of. All these were the exact mistakes that held both him and Colorado back from having what could have been a blockbuster season, given the ticket sales and hype they had last season.

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Ultimately, it might also be the reason Kevin Stefanski doesn’t entrust him with a starting role this season.

Orlovsky explicitly stated that unless injuries leave the QB room in limbo, or the wheels come entirely off the Browns offense, Sanders might not see any starting time. At least not until he improves on his shortcomings.

Dillon Gabriel is Orlovsky’s QB2 Hot Favorite

While Shedeur Sanders still has some things to prove before he can get himself in the talks to be Joe Flacco’s backup, Dillon Gabriel doesn’t. Both Sanders and Gabriel got two games in the preseason to prove themselves. Sanders excelled in his first but letdown in his second.

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Gabriel, on the other hand, has stood out with his impressive skills. Orlovsky analyzed Gabriel’s film just like he did of Sanders’, and Gabriel did not disappoint.

The analyst noted how the Oregon product has excellent anticipation and reading of the defense, all of which work in perfect sync with his accuracy. A quick reaction time helps him get the ball out at the right time, making some smooth plays.

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With Kenny Pickett traded to the Raiders and Flacco having the keys to the offense, the true competition for the backup spot is between the two rookies. From the looks of it, Gabriel clearly has the upper hand.

Given the standards Stefanski has for his backup QB, Sanders knows what he needs to work on. The only question that remains is how fast he can, and whether it is soon enough to take over Gabriel.

Main Photo: [Ken Blaze] – Imagn Images

The post Shedeur Sanders May Not Start For the Browns at All This Season, Says ESPN Analyst appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.