Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders didn’t hold back when addressing the media following his team’s 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
The defeat highlighted ongoing struggles for the Browns, who have now fallen to 3-12 on the season, and placed Sanders in a spotlight as he continues to adapt to the NFL. While his on-field performance showed potential, Sanders made it clear that certain questions asked by reporters crossed a line.
Sanders completed 20 of 29 passes for 157 yards, adding 49 rushing yards, but also threw two interceptions in a game that showed both his talent and his inexperience.
Late in the fourth quarter, Cleveland faced a critical fourth-and-2 from its own 44-yard line, and head coach Kevin Stefanski chose to keep the offense on the field. Sanders was brought down for a 13-yard sack, resulting in a turnover, and the offense later faced fourth-and-32 from their own 1-yard line, ultimately punting. Buffalo ran out the clock, sealing the Browns’ narrow loss.
Sanders addresses questions he believes divide rather than inform
After the game, a reporter asked Sanders whether he agreed with Stefanski‘s decision-making on those critical fourth downs. Rather than answer directly, Sanders expressed frustration.
“You can’t be asking me that question,” he said. “Come on, man… if we want to change the narrative and change the franchise, we have to speak life. Those types of things separate us.”
Sanders explained that such questions can unintentionally pit players against coaches, creating tension in the locker room.
“We’re not going to be able to talk to them for real… because that separates the team,” he added. “That doesn’t help anything, no matter how you answer it.” He emphasized that the Browns want to work with the media constructively, but questions that single out decisions or frame blame create unnecessary division.
This was not the first time Sanders has pushed back on the media. Earlier this season, following a loss to the San Francisco 49ers, he called a similar question about Stefanski‘s aggressive play-calling “rude” and refused to assign blame.
Sanders‘ approach highlights his desire to maintain team unity and protect relationships in the locker room, even as he adjusts to the challenges of his first full NFL season.
Cleveland’s offense has shown flashes under Sanders, demonstrating both mobility and decision-making potential. However, the team’s continued struggles overshadow these moments. As a rookie quarterback navigating the pressures of the NFL, Sanders is learning to balance on-field performance with off-field responsibilities.
While the Browns search for ways to end the season on a positive note, Sanders‘ comments off the field continue to draw attention, signaling that his impact extends beyond just statistics and game-day performance.
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