On paper, the Week 16 matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills looks straightforward.
Cleveland has been eliminated from the playoff race, while Buffalo remains focused on January positioning. Inside the Bills locker room, though, there is little interest in treating the game as routine, especially with a young quarterback who brings a different kind of challenge.
That quarterback is Shedeur Sanders, who will be making just the fifth start of his NFL career. Buffalo‘s defense has been effective against rookie passers throughout the season, often forcing them into mistakes by keeping games structured and limiting easy throws.
Still, Bills cornerback Taron Johnson made it clear this week that Sanders‘ ability to move changes the way Buffalo has to prepare.
“We’re still going to watch him and see what he does well, see what he struggles with, and things like that,” Johnson said when asked about the Bills‘ preparation to face Shedeur. “It’s a young guy, mobile, you know what I’m saying? Can make plays with his legs, so, got to be aware of that.”
Johnson‘s comments highlight a reality that defensive players understand well. Experience matters, but athleticism can level the field quickly.
Even a quarterback still learning the league can cause problems if he can escape pressure and turn broken plays into positive yards. For Buffalo, that means focusing less on Sanders‘ résumé and more on the stress his movement can put on coverage and pursuit.
Sanders has shown flashes of that ability in his early appearances. Cleveland‘s offense has struggled for consistency, and clean pockets have not always been available.
When plays break down, Sanders has shown a willingness to move, extend snaps, and force defenders to stay engaged longer than they would prefer. That alone can change how a defense aligns and communicates.
Why Buffalo refuses to relax
From Buffalo‘s perspective, the challenge is discipline. The Bills‘ defense has thrived this season by keeping young quarterbacks in the pocket and forcing them to operate on schedule. That approach requires patience and trust, especially when the quarterback begins to scramble.
For defensive backs like Johnson, the play does not end once the quarterback leaves the pocket. Coverage must hold, receivers must be tracked, and eyes cannot drift toward the ball too early. One moment of hesitation can turn a third and long into a drive-extending scramble. Against a mobile quarterback, that margin for error shrinks.
Sanders also enters the game in a unique situation. With Cleveland out of playoff contention, the pressure of results is gone.
That freedom can sometimes benefit a young quarterback, encouraging quicker decisions and confident movement rather than hesitation. Sometimes that leads to mistakes. Other times, it allows natural instincts to take over.
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