The lines between Shedeur Sanders and the Browns' head coach, Kevin Stefanski, finally might have snapped. For weeks, there were rumors of Stefanski not being in favor of Sanders, but every week it was Sanders who started. Though Stefanski’s one decision in the Browns vs Titans game turned out to be very crucial, and the reported follow-up from Sanders was ugly. 

Richard Johnson, an NFL insider, took to X after the Browns’ 29-31 loss to the Titans to report an ugly clash between the team’s QB and HC. “#Browns QB Shedeur Sanders “had to be held back” from going after HC Kevin Stefanski in the locker room after their loss to the #Titans today,” he posted. 

One thing to keep in mind is that no official sources from inside the locker have either confirmed or spoken about anything like this. Though what might have led to this is Stefanski substituting Sanders in a game he was creating history in. Late in the fourth quarter, right after he led a touchdown drive, Stefanski pulled Sanders off the field for the Browns’ 2-point conversion attempt. 

Instead of letting Sanders run the play, the Browns went with a wildcat look. As a result the ball snapped directly to the running back. The play failed, and Cleveland ultimately lost 31-29 to the Titans. Though in the post-game press conference, he did own up to it, saying, “I’m responsible for all of it.” But this was a historic game for Sanders. So he might be disappointed by the calls.

He recorded 64 yards, three passing TDs, and a rushing TD, the first Browns QB since 1950 to hit 300+ pass yards, 3+ pass TDs, and a rush TD in one game. Sanders also became the only QB besides Aaron Rodgers since 2000 with four 50+ yard completions in his first three starts. The rookie also joined Joe Burrow as the only rookies in the Super Bowl era to post 350+ yards, 3+ pass TDs, and a rush TD in a single game.

He sure must have loved to end the game with a win. And given his form, maybe substituting him wasn’t that good of a decision. Though the reported acceleration is unfortunate, and if true, it's something that has no place in the sport. Especially when Sanders himself supported Stefanski after the game with disagreement. 

In the post-game conference, he said, "If I'm out there any play, I wish I'd always have the ball in my hands, but that's not what football is. Sometimes you got to run the ball or kick a field goal." He also added, "I would never go against what the call was or anything." Not the first time he defended Stefanski. 

Shedeur Sanders defended Stefanski in the media while disagreeing 

Steafnski had made some calls in the Browns vs 49ers game that were met with heavy criticism. On two separate occasions, the team went for it on fourth-and-1, once near the 49ers' 20-yard line, once on their own 33, and failed both times. The second attempt was especially questioned: they ran a direct snap to tight-end Harold Fannin Jr.

It ended in a fumble and turnover, giving the 49ers great field position. That turnover quickly led to a 49ers touchdown, pushing the lead and effectively taking the Browns further out of reach. After the game, a reporter asked Sanders if he agreed with the calls made by Kevin Stefanski. 

Sanders responded by calling the question rude. “That’s a rude question to ask if I think it was a great call by my coach … We not gonna be here and ever point finger at no coach,” he said. What’s your thought on these calls by the Browns' head coach? Let us know in the comments. 

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Joyita Das