Travis Kelce Calls for Browns to Start Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders

Kelce does make an excellent point. The Browns experienced a glimpse of Sanders’ popularity after his debut game. Yahoo Sports and Fansided reported that the Browns’ preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers was the most-watched (2.2 million viewers) preseason fixture in the last 10 years.

Analyst lashes out at the Browns for limiting Shedeur Sanders’ growth

Kelce’s allegiance to the Chiefs compelled him to speak mildly about Sanders’ demotion to QB3 on the roster. Those restraints don’t apply to Cleveland-based radio host and journalist Tony Rizzo.

Rizzo has been among the leading voices of support for Sanders ever since the draft. He wants the Colorado U graduate to lead the Browns.

Stefanski demoting Sanders to third-choice quarterback had Rizzo losing his cool during a recent segment of ESPN Cleveland. Rizzo argued that if Sanders doesn’t get a fair chance for the QB1 job, then the Browns should do him the courtesy of trading him to a team that will honor his wishes.

If you’re not going to give Shedeur a chance, then let him go. Are they just keeping him around for SportsCenter highlights, Stephen A.’s show, and jersey sales, or are they actually going to give this kid a chance to play?

Tony Rizzo said

Despite Rizzo’s emotional outburst, there’s a fair reason behind Sanders’ failing to land the starting quarterback role. After a tremendous first start, the 23-year-old sat out game number two due to health concerns, which allowed Gabriel to increase his stock.

Gabriel threw a pick, but he also quietly completed 13 of his 18 passes for 143 yards against the defending champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. His distribution remained impeccable in Game 3, completing 13 of 19 passes for 129 yards and one touchdown, without turning the ball over.

Sanders returned for the final fixture. However, unlike Gabriel, he looked uncomfortable behind the Browns’ makeshift offensive line. Stefanski took the tough decision to replace the rookie two minutes before the final whistle.

Analyst and PFF contributor Matt Stopsky revealed an opening statistic that may have influenced the Browns’ decision on the quarterback positions on the roster.

Sanders may have lost the early battle, but he will still have plenty of chances to win the war of the quarterbacks. He proved so many wrong by leading the Colorado Buffaloes to the Alamo Bowl and finishing his final college football season by leading the FBS in pass completion (74%).