Shedeur Sanders’ second preseason outing generated plenty of conversation online, though not what anyone in Cleveland Browns organization would have preferred.
After showing promise in his debut, the rookie quarterback struggled against the Los Angeles Rams in front of the Dawg Pound, finishing with 14 passing yards, five sacks taken, and a costly fumble. His defining moment came on a fourth-quarter play when, under edge pressure, he retreated nearly 20 yards before being swallowed by multiple defenders.
The play was immediately dissected across social media platforms. Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel weighed in, noting that Sanders’ pocket awareness must improve while also pointing out that his offensive line did little to help.
Protection hasn’t been great, but Shedeur Sanders has to get rid of the football.
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) August 23, 2025
He’s drifting like crazy in the pocket
pic.twitter.com/aI4CxUkOrq
Other analysts zeroed in on his decision-making, emphasizing the extended time he held onto the ball before the sack occurred. With the league average hovering around 2.5 to 3 seconds per throw, Sanders’ hesitation became a talking point among the commentators.
Shedeur Sanders keeps taking sacks.
— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) August 23, 2025
This is why hes a 4th string quarterback at this point
pic.twitter.com/w8ZHeROFB6
GET SHEDEUR THE HELL OUT OF CLEVELAND, OUT FROM UNDER STEFANSKI pic.twitter.com/PIuA4sn648
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) August 23, 2025
The broader reaction skewed towards being negative. Several accounts highlighted the contrast between Sanders’ stat line and that of fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who delivered a far more efficient performance with 129 yards and a touchdown. For many observers, that disparity underscored why Sanders sits low on the Browns’ depth chart.
Kevin Stefanski was way too diplomatic today with how he handled his QB evaluation--as far as what was necessary & what wasn't. The head coach has to also be cognizant of actions that build his guys up vs. introducing more mental static than necessary.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 23, 2025
Second, unless Shedeur… https://t.co/YnDuOv67Xe
I need to understand why we don't get to see @ShedeurSanders run this 2 minute drill? Wouldn't you want to see your young QB operate in this situation? Get him more reps for the future? I didn't see the whole game so maybe he already showed enough? Help me understand this...
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) August 23, 2025
Not all the commentary dismissed him entirely. A handful of fans reminded others that preseason struggles can be influenced by supporting personnel, pointing out that Cleveland’s reserves offered little protection or rhythm offensively. But still, the consensus held that Sanders’ performance left much to be desired.
With the preseason now complete, the conversation shifts to roster decisions. Sanders’ hopes of sticking with Cleveland are pretty solid at this point. They've signaled the desire to keep four quarterbacks on the roster.
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