UPDATE: Former Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Carr is raising eyebrows over the Cleveland Browns’ decision to bench rookie QB Shedeur Sanders late in their 19-17 victory against the Los Angeles Rams on August 26, 2023. With just 2:03 left in the game and the Browns trailing 17-16, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski opted to pull Sanders in favor of veteran Tyler Huntley, prompting Carr to question the rationale behind the move.
“I need to understand why we don’t get to see Shedeur Sanders run this 2-minute drill,” Carr posted on social media. “Wouldn’t you want to see your young QB operate in this situation? Get him more reps for the future?” Carr’s comments reflect a growing concern among fans and analysts about the development opportunities for young quarterbacks.
In a surprising twist, the Browns had previously allowed another rookie, Dillon Gabriel, to execute a successful two-minute drill earlier in the game. Gabriel led an impressive 86-yard scoring drive, culminating in a three-yard touchdown pass to Gage Larvadain. Gabriel finished the game with 12 completions on 19 attempts for 129 yards and one touchdown, showcasing his potential.
Sanders, however, ended his preseason on a disappointing note, completing just 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards against the Rams. He was also sacked five times, losing a total of 41 yards. With Sanders currently sitting fourth on the depth chart, the decision to bench him during a crucial moment raises questions about his development and future opportunities.
Stefanski defended his decision to bench Sanders, stating, “Obviously we didn’t play great as an offense in the second half. That’s never on one person, so we can be better in a bunch of areas and just felt like we wanted to give [Huntley] a last drive.”
The late-game benching of Sanders has sparked debate across the NFL, with many analysts and fans echoing Carr’s sentiments. This could be one of the few chances for Sanders to gain valuable experience ahead of the regular season, making the decision all the more perplexing.
As the Browns prepare for the upcoming season, eyes will remain on how they manage their quarterback situation. With Sanders likely facing limited practice reps, the question remains: will he receive the critical playing time needed to develop into a starter? Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Browns finalize their roster and strategies.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the NFL preseason unfolds.
