Cam Newton Critiques Kevin Stefanski After Shedeur Sanders’ Struggles

Shedeur Sanders faced a challenging start to his NFL career on November 19, 2023, when he took the field for the Cleveland Browns against the Baltimore Ravens. The rookie quarterback stepped in during the second half after veteran quarterback Dillon Gabriel exited the game due to a concussion. Sanders struggled significantly, completing only four of his 16 pass attempts for a mere 47 yards, while also throwing one interception and being sacked twice. His rushing efforts were modest, tallying 16 yards on three attempts. The Browns managed to score 16 points before Gabriel’s departure, but Sanders could not build on that foundation.

Following the disappointing performance, former NFL quarterback Cam Newton publicly criticized Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. During his appearance on the show “First Take” on November 20, Newton expressed concern that Sanders had been set up for failure. He highlighted that Sanders had not received any practice reps with the first-team offense prior to his debut, a situation that Newton found unacceptable based on his own experiences during his career with the Carolina Panthers.

Kevin Stefanski confirmed during his postgame press conference that Sanders lacked preparation with the starting unit, a revelation that raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Newton’s remarks reflect a broader conversation about the importance of adequate preparation for rookie quarterbacks, particularly when they are thrust into live game situations unexpectedly.

Looking ahead, it appears that Sanders may have another opportunity to prove himself as the Browns prepare to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12. With Dillon Gabriel still in concussion protocol, it is anticipated that Sanders will be named the starter for the upcoming game. This matchup presents a critical chance for him to redeem his performance and potentially silence critics like Newton.

As the Cleveland Browns navigate this transitional period, the focus will be on how effectively they can support Sanders in his development, particularly in a high-stakes environment like the NFL. The outcome of the next game may not only impact Sanders’ career trajectory but also the Browns’ playoff aspirations as they aim to solidify their position in the competitive league.