Shedeur Sanders Continues to Put on Show at Browns OTAs

The Cleveland Browns rolled into Day 2 on Wednesday, which provided more tangible details from practice. The division of reps, specifically in team periods like 11 v 11, was closer to the way head coach Kevin Stefanski claimed it would be. 

The reps were not going to be equal, but they will be more than enough to make a proper evaluation. However, the stat line for Shedeur Sanders should instill confidence in those waiting for him to see the field. He went 7-of-9, for three touchdowns all in the red zone with no interceptions.

Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel both finished the day with 16 passing reps each. Joe Flacco pulls in the second most reps at 14. With Shedeur Sanders only getting 9 reps and not being involved in the 11 v 11 period.

Sanders fans should not read too much into the number of reps, especially this early. It’s a normal QB competition and the team is making adjustments to practice to maximize all possible reps. Shedeur’s completion percentage, even in camp, is noteworthy. With limited reps, Sanders completed 78 percent of his passes.

Gabriel also had a good day, completing just a shade under 70 percent (11-of-16). He also added two touchdowns of his own. The one negative on Gabriel’s day was a tipped ball at the line of scrimmage by fellow rookie DT Mason Graham that resulted in an interception and a defensive score, while inside their own 20.

Flacco and Pickett completed 64 percent and 56 percent, respectively. Neither veteran threw touchdowns or interceptions as part of the reps they took. Ball placement was again a highlight of the day in practice, from all of the Browns quarterbacks, but especially Sanders.

Each of Sanders’ throws were deliberate, on time and on target. This is a small detail that should not be overlooked when viewing this QB competition through the lens of what Stefanski is looking for. His system relies heavily on accurate decisions, under the right circumstances. If Sanders continues to deliver the ball accurately, on time and protects the ball, he will remain in a good place within this QB competition.

After practice, every veteran player who spoke with the media took time to mention Sanders in a very positive light. From fun interaction in the QB room to how he performs this early in camp. All three players were asked about conversations in the QB room. All three gave great player camaraderie answers, including a number of topics they refused to share.

Flacco added some details about what younger players ask him, including Shedeur who picked his brain about his drop back steps. This casts significant doubt on outside narratives that Sanders might be struggling. 

To hear the comments from Browns coaches and players, there is no indication that Sanders has been anything other than productive, efficient and a good teammate. Practice will continue on Thursday but will not be open to the media.