For Jason Whitlock, the remarks Shedeur Sanders made about his head coach, Kevin Stefanski, were far from acceptable. Ahead of his second NFL start, which will come in Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers, the young quarterback held a press conference in which, according to the veteran commentator, he effectively threw his coach under the bus.
From Whitlock’s point of view, Sanders’s comments failed to show the respect and discretion expected from an inexperienced player preparing for one of the most demanding games of the season.
Sanders spoke plainly when asked whether he ever felt Stefanski had attempted to sabotage him or prevent him from playing or receiving opportunities within the team.
What people do outside the building isn’t really in my control. It’s not in my power. It’s not like I can go out there and tell ’em to do whatever. … But overall, I’m just happy to be here. Coach Stefanski, he’s been coaching since I got here, and we’ve been doing a very great job with everything that’s going on.
Sanders assured reporters during the press conference, insisting there was never any internal resistance to his presence on the field.
However, Whitlock believes Sanders’s answer conveyed a very different message.
The comments are pretending he answered this question well. He did not. He threw his head coach under the bus. Amazing. Fifth-round pick. Andrew Berry set Stefanski up for failure. This is wild.
Shedeur Sanders talks more about his discomfort heading into his second start
His debut as a starter left decent impressions, solid, though not spectacular. Still, his performance shifted the Browns’ narrative, providing a spark that had been missing with Dillon Gabriel as the team’s starter. Sanders acknowledged that he must continue improving and striving for a higher level of play.
I’m definitely not comfortable, so that’s first and foremost that I have another opportunity to go out there. … I always want to exceed expectations, and I always want to grow in every week. I would want to put a better product, version of myself.
He later added that he has been steadily progressing since his first offensive series with the team.
I’m getting a little bit more comfortable and comfortable in being in that role, being in that position. They’re getting more comfortable with me, also. So I’m excited, I’m happy for it, and I’m just thankful.
Stefanski also praises his quarterback, Shedeur Sanders
Far from continuing the controversy surrounding a possible internal sabotage that some speculated had limited his playing time, Stefanski offered words of encouragement after the game against Las Vegas.
He’s always done a nice job of that. … He’s the same guy every single day. Obviously game day, there’s juice that comes with that. There’s excitement that comes with that, but he’s played that position for a long time. He knows how to make sure he keeps the main thing.
The upcoming matchup against the Niners could be decisive for Sanders and his aspirations to remain the starter. The game is scheduled for 1:00 pm ET on CBS.
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