Why Shedeur Sanders Deserves More Than One Ugly Debut

The time is finally here. And I’ve BEEN saying it all along!

The Cleveland Browns finally stopped playing with our emotions and announced what should’ve happened sooner: Shedeur Sanders will officially start Week 12 against the Raiders.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski made the call Wednesday, and yes, the reason is practical, not spiritual enlightenment.

Dillon Gabriel is in concussion protocol after taking a big hit last Sunday, per ESPN.

So now we’re entering the Shedeur Sanders era not by choice, but by force. But sometimes, greatness walks through the back door.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the Dawg Pound:

Yes, Shedeur’s debut vs. Baltimore was rough. Brutal even.

He went 4-of-16 for 47 yards, one pick, and a 13.5 passer rating. You didn’t need advanced analytics to know the offense looked like a scrambled TikTok live stream.

It wasn’t good.

BUT let’s not get it twisted.

For every hater, every troll, every “I told you he was a fifth-round pick for a reason” merchant — miss me with that weak analysis.

Shedeur didn’t stink. He wasn’t given a FAIR SHOT.

You threw a rookie into the fire with zero first-team reps, against a Ravens defense that has been terrorizing quarterbacks like it’s their side hustle on DoorDash.

As NBC Sports Philly noted, the Browns didn’t even consider playing him earlier because Stefanski simply didn’t believe he was ready.

Of course the kid looked uncomfortable. He was basically thrusted into the NFL equivalent of a bar fight while still tying his shoes.

Look, I’m not crowning him. Not yet.

But if I had to grade his debut? It’s an incomplete.

You don’t flunk a quarterback when the teacher didn’t even hand him the playbook.

And let’s be real: the Browns haven’t exactly been a warm embrace for young QB’s.

And Stefanski? He’s given off major “I don’t trust the kid” vibes from Day 1.

But now?

Now he HAS to trust him.

Now Shedeur gets the one thing he hasn’t had since he walked into the building:

A full week as QB1.

Let him breathe.

Let him prep.

Let him grow.

Let. Him. Cook.

Will Shedeur ball out Sunday? Maybe. Maybe not.

Will the takes be nuclear if he throws another pick?

Absolutely.

Will I call it like I see it if he plays trash? Yes, I keep it a buck.

But what I’m NOT gonna do is let folks write this kid off before he even gets the apron on. This is his real debut. His first real NFL test. His first real chance.

And if he shines?

Whew. Cleveland might have a problem…

A good one.