After weeks of sitting on the bench, Shedeur Sanders will be getting his big shot this weekend. Due to Deshaun Watson’s concussion protocol, Sanders is going to be front and center as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback for their game against the New Orleans Saints.
There is no doubt that this is a massive opportunity for the young player after months of concern about his status and future with the team. However, some people question if he’s still fit to be QB1 for the Browns.
After being asked by the press about his connection and chemistry with the offense, Sanders pushed back a little bit. Speaking on 92.3 The Fan, Anthony Lima claimed that these inquiries are completely appropriate.
He said that people have every right to question if Sanders is the right man for the job, considering he couldn’t win the position of starting quarterback during the preseason.
“You didn’t win the starting job in the offseason, Shedeur, in the preseason. So it’s a legitimate question to ask if you are meshing with the offense because apparently you were not meshing with the offense enough under Todd Monken to win the damn starting job. If you don’t understand why we’re asking that question, why that’s a legitimate question, then I don’t know. It sounds like you might not be cut out to be a starting quarterback in the NFL if you can’t make the layups,” Lima said.
“You didn't win the starting job in the offseason, Shedeur, in the preseason. So it's a legitimate question to ask if you are meshing with the offense.”
"It sounds like you might not be cut out to be a starting quarterback in the NFL if you can't make the layups."
➡️… pic.twitter.com/hUfKqj3l8D
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 5, 2026
Coming into the preseason, a lot of fans assumed that Sanders could be the starting quarterback for 2026. After all, he started in seven games last season. The Browns went 3-4 during those starts, but a lot of people felt Sanders was just finding his footing.
Additionally, they felt that he ended the season trending in the right direction. These supporters believed that he showed enough talent to earn the starting position in 2027.
But then came the offseason, training camp, and the preseason. Despite his own set of controversies and problems, Watson won over new head coach Todd Monken. After a lackluster opening game, the Browns have played better than expected throughout the season, and a lot of fans feel that Watson has rightfully earned his spot.
This has cast Sanders in a different light. He didn’t beat out Watson for the quarterback role, and the team is doing quite well without him. Is he ready to be a leading quarterback?
Maybe he doesn’t fit with this team like some people initially thought he would. Sunday’s game will be his chance to show his worth.
It could completely change the narrative and turn critics into fans once again.
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