The Cleveland Browns’ silence over Shedeur Sanders’ future as the starting quarterback has left many frustrated. Tony Rizzo did not hold back on his thoughts around the QB1 situation, as he lashed out at the team in his studio recently. 

On Wednesday, Rizzo, the host of The Tony Rizzo Show, animatedly voiced his anger on Sanders not being picked as the starting QB from the get-go. At one point, he even shot up from his passionate argument for the young QB to get the QB job.

“How in the h*** is Shedeur not the starting quarterback at this moment?" Rizzo said. "He finished the season on the field, winning his last two games.”

The host then highlighted Sanders’ growth in his rookie season. After all, the QB began his journey with complete uncertainty about his career, and ended his first season as the man who held the fort down at quarterbac for Cleveland.

“Do you know any other organization that would take a rookie quarterback who got no reps whatsoever in training camp and in the first 10 weeks of the season? They throw him in, beat him to the lions. Somehow, he survives and wins three games, including the last two against your divisional opponents."

Cleveland hasn't had success with its signal callers as of late. With Deshaun Watson out with injuries, the Browns thought it was better to start with Dillon Gabriel, who came from the same draft class as Sanders. But little did Cleveland know, they would have to resort to rolling out Sanders eventually.

Sanders debuted in Week 11, played in eight games, and started in seven. He threw seven touchdowns for 1,400 yards against 10 interceptions. It was his rookie year, so he can get some respite for those turnovers. But Sanders was their most steady option at quarterback. That is a fact that cannot be ignored.

But yet again, the talented QB will have to brave another race to secure the starting job this season.

Yet, Sanders Has to Prove Himself Against Two Opponents

The former Colorado Buffs star displayed his capabilities in the Week 14 game against the Tennessee Titans. He scored three touchdowns and was named Rookie of the Week as well as the starter for the season. His 57-yard deep throw shocked many, including NFL record holder Myles Garrett. 

But Sanders is back to competing with Gabriel and the veteran Watson. While there's not much hype about Gabriel, Watson's return looks imminent this year. Team owner Jerry Haslam is very optimistic about the veteran, saying that the QB has shed some weight and is "looking good."

But Rizzo is still batting for Shedeur Sanders.

“There's a guy who got concussed and never played again. There's a guy who hadn't played in four years and coming off double Achilles, and a kid that won his last two games. And we're sitting here talking about who should be the starter.”

The Browns’ quarterback problem is a mess, and they know how important it is to choose the right guy for the job this season. But each candidate brings their own set of pros and cons, even Shedeur Sanders. But according to Tony Rizzo, he is the best bet for the team right now.

What do you think of his take? Let us know in the comments. 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Afreen Kabir