After watching Deshaun Watson take a very conservative approach in the first half of the Cleveland Browns’ preseason opener against the Chicago Bears on Saturday, Sheduer Sanders came out for the third quarter ready to make a big impression. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the kind he was hoping for.
On his first drive, Sanders did connect on two strong downfield throws to Gage Larvadain and Luke Floriea to put the Browns in the red zone, but they were not able to come away with points. Later, he threw an egregious interception that will be the moment most remembered from his day.
Coming out of a 34-10 loss, fans reacted to Sanders’ performance with a good deal of disappointment and skepticism regarding the second-year QB.
“Sanders gets picked on the overthrow,” B/R Gridiron posted.
Shedeur Sanders gets picked on the overthrow
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/pVLW2YCaKJ
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 15, 2026
“When Shedeur Sanders gets in that game, he CAN’T be out there throwing interceptions. This ain’t the time for mistakes, he gotta play like his NFL life depends on EVERY snap … because right now, IT DOES,” Reginald Williams posted.
Playing into the early fourth quarter, Sanders finished with six completions on 11 attempts for 79 yards and the interception. His passer rating was a dismal 39.6.
If there was one bright spot, Sanders attempted many more downfield throws than Watson did. Sanders averaged 9.2 air yards per attempt, while Watson, who was playing for the first time in almost two years, was at 4.4 air yards per attempt while completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and a 98.2 rating.
“If you are giving Deshaun and Shedeur the same grade I have no idea what game you were watching. Sanders looked completely lost out there,” Shawn Barker posted.
Afterward, Browns head coach Todd Monken had encouraging words for both of his potential starting quarterbacks. That likely means the competition remains far from over with Sanders in line to open the next preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
“What do people who want Shedeur Sanders to start really see in him? I really don’t see why people are high on him. Holds the ball too long, inaccurate throws, runs backwards. I think he is a backup at best, there are many reasons he fell to the fifth round,” Eric Bender posted.
If Sanders can make the longer throws while avoiding turnovers in that game, he can erase whatever bad feelings may linger from this one. Meanwhile, some fans still believe in him as the Browns starter for 2026, and maybe beyond.
“I have faith in Shedeur Sanders. We shall see,” Cliff Packer posted.
NEXT: KC Concepcion's Future Looks Bright After Saturday's Performance
