Shedeur Sanders entered Cleveland Browns training camp with a legitimate opportunity to win the starting quarterback job, but every practice rep is now being closely examined as his competition with Deshaun Watson intensifies.
Sanders showed flashes during an uneven rookie season, including a 364-yard performance against the Tennessee Titans and three victories in seven starts. However, the former Colorado star also struggled with turnovers, consistency and processing speed while adjusting to the NFL.
One potential flaw has now become a major topic in Cleveland after recent training camp videos appeared to show Sanders holding onto the football for too long. With Watson also competing for the QB1 role, ESPN Cleveland personality Aaron Goldhammer delivered a blunt message about the area Sanders must improve.
Shedeur Sanders Criticized Over Training Camp Videos
Goldhammer reacted to clips from Browns practice that appeared to show Sanders waiting too long for plays to develop instead of delivering the ball quickly.
“DUDE you have to throw the ball,” Goldhammer said.
The criticism focused on a concern that has followed Sanders since his college career. He has often displayed confidence inside the pocket and an ability to extend plays, but holding the ball can also lead to sacks, disrupted timing and missed opportunities.
That issue was visible during Sanders’ rookie campaign. The 24-year-old was sacked 23 times on 212 passing attempts while completing 56.6% of his throws for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Sanders finished the season with a 68.1 passer rating and started Cleveland’s final seven games after initially serving as a backup.
Browns Quarterback Battle Continues to Heat Up
Sanders’ rookie numbers were inconsistent, but he also gave the Browns reasons to remain intrigued.
The former fifth-round pick threw for 364 yards, three touchdowns and one interception against Tennessee. He also helped Cleveland earn late-season victories over the Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals.
His ability to create outside the pocket remains one of his biggest strengths. Sanders rushed for 169 yards and a touchdown during his rookie season, averaging eight yards per carry.
Still, playing quarterback in the NFL requires more than producing occasional explosive plays. Sanders must consistently identify pressure, anticipate throwing windows and get the ball out before the defense can close in.
That becomes even more important with Watson battling to reclaim the starting role. Sanders has reportedly received first-team opportunities during training camp, giving him a chance to prove he can run the offense efficiently.
Training camp videos rarely provide the full context of a play. Receivers may be covered, the quarterback may be instructed to extend the rep or the defense may win immediately.
Even so, the criticism highlights a critical area for Sanders. If he speeds up his internal clock and makes quicker decisions, he could strengthen his case to become Cleveland’s Week 1 starter.
If the ball continues to stay in his hands too long, Watson could gain the advantage in one of the NFL’s most closely watched quarterback competitions.
