Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is getting valuable guidance from NFL veteran Jameis Winston as he navigates the challenges of his first professional season.
With the Browns eliminated from playoff contention, Sanders is focused on growth, development, and finishing the year strong, starting with Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Sanders, a fifth-round pick out of Colorado, earned the starting quarterback position after Joe Flacco was traded, surpassing former Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel.
Despite the team’s struggles, Sanders has shown resilience and promise in his rookie campaign. He has accumulated 946 passing yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions while preparing to approach the 1,000-yard mark in his next game.
As a coach’s son and a student of the game, Sanders has embraced mentorship from experienced players like Winston, the former Heisman Trophy winner and national champion at Florida State.
The guidance from Winston has reinforced Sanders‘ understanding of what truly matters on the field. “I’m not really looking at the numbers, I’m looking in the wins, you know, so that achieves everything,” Sanders said in a Wednesday press conference.
He elaborated on the advice Winston shared: “You know I talked to Jameis like a couple weeks ago, and then, he went crazy, he threw for some crazy yards and he was like, ‘Nah, bro…The most important thing is to win.'”
Sanders‘ comments underline his focus on team success rather than individual statistics, a mindset that can be critical for a rookie quarterback in a rebuilding situation.
Learning through consistency
Sanders values Winston‘s guidance and experience, recognizing the lessons a veteran can provide.
“Having that guidance and that knowledge from a vet like him, it truly helped me understand a little bit more,” Sanders said. He emphasized that winning remains the ultimate goal for any NFL player.
“Always knew of course, winnin’, that’s the final goal, that’s what everybody’s in this league to do,” he added.
The rookie quarterback also acknowledged that success comes from making consistent plays. “The more plays you stack, the more completions you rack up, the better chance you have at winnin’…It’s something that I have self-evaluated and will apply to my game,” Sanders said.
This approach demonstrates maturity beyond his years and a willingness to learn from players who have competed at the highest levels.
Sanders has faced challenges on the field, including being sacked 13 times this season, which underscores the need for poise and adaptability as he faces tough defenses.
His upcoming matchup against Josh Allen and the Bills presents a high-stakes opportunity to implement the lessons from Winston while further developing his confidence as a starting quarterback.
Although the Browns‘ season record of 3-11 reflects a rebuilding year, Sanders‘ dedication to mentorship, growth, and winning sets a foundation for future success.
By focusing on team victories and applying the insights from seasoned players like Winston, Sanders is positioning himself to become a leader for Cleveland in the seasons to come.
His rookie year may have been a trial by fire, but with the right guidance and focus on fundamentals, Sanders is building the skills necessary to thrive in the NFL.
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