CLEVELAND — Coach Kevin Stefanski defended his handling of Shedeur Sanders‘ development after the Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback struggled in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams.
Stefanski addressed claims that he was deliberately hindering Sanders’ progress, particularly after replacing him with Tyler Huntley, who led the game-winning drive.
“I don’t concern myself with outside types of things, but I’m committed to his development, just like all of our rookies,” Stefanski said. “We’ll continue to focus on getting our guys better, and that’s what we’ll stay committed to, and that’s what’s important to me.”
Stefanski was criticized for not letting Sanders attempt a potential game-winning drive in the final two minutes, as well as for playing the fifth-round pick in the second half, when both teams played their third- and fourth-string units.
The Browns went three-and-out on four of five series with Sanders under center. He completed 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards.
Sanders suffered an oblique injury Aug. 13 during a joint workout with the Eagles. He said it was tender but not a factor.
Joe Flacco, who will start the Sept. 7 opener against Cincinnati, could empathize with Sanders having a rough game.
“That’s part of being a rookie. You’re going to get thrown into situations that maybe you don’t think are ideal,” Flacco said. “It’s part of what makes a football player, is learning how to deal with those situations and learn from them.”