It was only a few days ago when Joe Thomas, a former Browns tackle, claimed rookie Shedeur Sanders could be the next “franchise guy.” Pointing at Sanders’ three-touchdown performance against the Titans, Thomas said the 23-year-old should be the Browns’ focal point.

However, journalist Jake Trotter is unsure if Sanders should be given such importance. 

Appearing on Cleveland Browns Daily, Trotter clarified that he believes in Sanders’ talent, but the momentary flashes of brilliance in his first pro year aren’t remarkable enough to make long-term decisions. 

“I empathize with the issues, obstacles that Shedeur’s had to overcome,” Trotter began. 

“All I’m saying is, based on the way he’s played with or without the obstacles, and the way he looked in college, I think there’s stuff there, but I don’t know if it's enough for me to build a franchise around him. That’s it.” 

His comments come after the Browns lost to the Bills 20-23 on Sunday. Sanders completed 20 passes out of 29 for 157 yards. He scored a touchdown and was intercepted twice. In the first drive, he made five passes for six points, until the 23-year-old injured his finger and was out briefly. 

Trotter made his point after the Browns’ offence started failing in the second quarter. One of the moments that caught a lot of attention was when Greg Rousseau sacked the quarterback by grabbing his ankle from behind. 

This resulted in a loss of two yards and caused the Browns to try for a field goal on fourth down. Sanders finished with 49 yards on four carries.

“I don’t know what this offensive system is. Although they had a good opening drive today.” 

Sanders’ many challenges

He played against the Bills in the absence of key Browns players. Tight end David Njoku, running back Dylan Sampson, and Jack Conklin, their right tackle, were injured, leaving Sanders to fend for himself. 

This adds more to a bumpy first year, wherein Sanders struggled to prove to his coach that he should be the starting quarterback. A job, he eventually succeeded in. 

Sanders performed well against the Titans in Week 14. And in Week 12, he had made a 52-yard deep pass to Isiah Bond, which jolted everyone. 

Trotter sees this, too. He added, “I’m sitting here and say ‘you nothing to build on Shedeur.’ I’m not sayin he’s complete garbage, I’m not saying he’s the future.”

“I feel like he’s been ok at times.”

He further compared Sanders with fellow rookies and passing rates. He pointed out Cam Ward (39.6), Jackson Dart (39.8), and Tyler Shuck (46.8), saying these players are much better statistically but admitted Sanders “didn’t get training camp reps.”

Sanders has been an inconsistent player this season due to many factors. Will Trotter and other critics give Sanders another chance next season after the Browns are done with making a few changes internally? 

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das