Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski offered a measured yet positive assessment of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders' performance in his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers.
When asked by ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi about the rookie's outing, Stefanski praised Sanders' command of the offense and the team's execution. He continued, emphasizing the room for growth:
"I'm pleased with Shedeur, pleased with the offense... Again, not perfect, plenty that we can work on. But I thought the guys did a really nice job. Shedeur and operating. The guys' making plays, so again, a ton to teach on."
Sanders, who finished the game with a stat line of 14-of-23 for 138 yards and two touchdowns, with 19 rushing yards, had given himself a self-critical "C+" grade immediately after the game. Stefanski's comments echo the rookie's own sentiment of not being perfect but also highlight a solid foundation to build upon. The coach went on to say, "He'll get a ton of reps next week as well," as sourced by Camryn Justice of News 5 Cleveland.
Despite Sanders' impressive debut, this is just the beginning of his development in Cleveland, and with the team traveling to play the reigning Super Bowl champions next Saturday, his hardest trials are surely ahead.