Kevin Stefanski under fire for benching Shedeur Sanders at crunch time

Drama is never far from Cleveland, and this time it’s quarterback Shedeur Sanders—son of the legendary Deion Sanders—who finds himself at the center of a storm. The situation blends coaching decisions, media expectations, and a dash of public outrage. It all started during the Browns’ final preseason game against the Rams, when Shedeur was pulled just before the final drive. Many viewed it as a golden opportunity to evaluate a developing quarterback, but Kevin Stefanski kept him off the field.

In fact, Kevin Stefanski’s decision to replace Shedeur Sanders with Tyler Huntley at such a critical moment sparked a wave of backlash across social media and sports outlets. According to Sportskeeda, several fans accused the head coach of deliberately stalling Sanders’ growth, despite the rookie showing signs of leadership and readiness. Shedeur , visibly caught off guard, was warming up on the bike when he was told he wouldn’t be going in. His reaction was short but telling: “I was ready for that drive… and they told me I wasn’t going.”

A direct and concise response

Kevin Stefanski didn’t wait long to respond. In statements cited by the same outlet. He reaffirmed his commitment to Shedeur Sanders’ development and emphasized that decisions are made with the entire team in mind. “I don’t worry about what’s said outside,” Stefanski stated, making it clear that conspiracy theories have no place in his locker room.

I asked #Browns Kevin Stefanski about the persistent narrative that he’s sabotaging Shedeur Sanders. He doesn’t listen to outside noise but he said this: pic.twitter.com/BxM3QG4Iky

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 24, 2025

Beyond that specific moment, Shedeur’ future on the Browns’ final 53-man roster remains uncertain. In a later interview with NFL Network, the young quarterback appeared confident: “Obviously I’m going to be there,” he said with a grin. Though his stats against the Rams were modest—3 completions for 14 yards and a lost fumble—Shedeur Sanders has shown poise, growth, and strong rapport with veterans like Joe Flacco, who’s taken him under his wing during camp.

Fierce competition

All of this underscores the fierce competition in the Browns’ quarterback room. Kevin Stefanski has a deep group to work with. With Flacco locked in as the starter, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders are battling for the remaining spots. Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson is expected to land on the injured list. General Manager Andrew Berry has said all quarterbacks have met expectations, and that final decisions will be strategic, not sentimental.

 

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Shedeur Sanders, for his part, isn’t backing down. His journey through Jackson State and Colorado under his father’s guidance has prepared him for moments like this. And while the “dream drive” slipped away, his resolve remains strong. In Cleveland, the clock is ticking. And next Tuesday, Kevin Stefanski and the Browns may decide whether Shedeur becomes part of the franchise’s present. Or just another promising name on the bubble.