Kevin Stefanski names Browns’ starting quarterback going forward after Shedeur Sanders makes debut in loss to Ravens
The Cleveland Browns maintained their identity despite falling to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. Cleveland’s defense fought and did everything it could to win, but in the end, the Ravens walked out of Cleveland with a 23-16 win over the Browns. Cleveland’s defense showed up in a big way, as it has for much […]
The Cleveland Browns maintained their identity despite falling to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. Cleveland’s defense fought and did everything it could to win, but in the end, the Ravens walked out of Cleveland with a 23-16 win over the Browns.
Cleveland’s defense showed up in a big way, as it has for much of this season. The Browns’ identity has been to play good defense and hope that the offense can do just enough. They forced two interceptions off Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, including a 23-yard pick by LB Devin Bush that was returned for a touchdown. But on the other side of the ball, Cleveland managed just 187 total yards.
Dillon Gabriel couldn’t play in the second half after entering the concussion protocol. As a result, Shedeur Sanders made his NFL debut against the Ravens, and it didn’t go well. Sanders went four-of-16 passing with an interception and took two sacks. He had to enter under unfortunate circumstances, but that’s the job of an NFL backup.
Kevin Stefanski names starter following Shedeur Sanders’ debut against Ravens
Following the game, Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Gabriel would remain the team’s starting quarterback if he is healthy. Gabriel is in the concussion protocol, and it’s a multi-step process to clear, so there will be plenty of discussion this week about who will start for Cleveland when they play at the Las Vegas Raiders next weekend.
“He’s gonna battle like he does,” Stefanski said of Sanders. “I’m sure there’s things that we can clean up. Those are things we’ll look at tomorrow.”
Cleveland’s offense produced just six points off two field goals from Andre Szmyt, and you can’t win games that way. Quinshon Judkins had a few good runs and finished with 59 rushing yards, but the Ravens stacked the box and limited him on most of his 17 carries.
Cleveland had just 81 net passing yards after factoring in sack yardage, and that is a clear illustration of what’s holding the offense back. Cam Robinson left the game, and playing with a backup offensive tackle hurt the Browns badly in the second half against Baltimore with Sanders out there.
“We trust all of our guys. Trust our guys to perform, and he’s no different,” Stefanski said of Sanders. “Playing a backup role, as we’ve talked about over the years, that’s tough to come in there. But we trust him. I know there’s things that he’s going to want to do better, but that’s why we work.”
It was a rough NFL debut for Sanders, who also ran the ball three times for 16 yards. If the Browns need him against Las Vegas, it will come with a full week to prepare with the starters, something he hasn’t had previously.
The odds were stacked against Sanders in Week 11, and things went poorly. But if Gabriel can’t return for the Raiders game, Sanders has a big opportunity in front of him with a team that badly needs any spark from the quarterback position.
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