Shedeur Sanders looked at times like the quarterback Colorado fans remember during his opportunity to start for the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.
Sanders completed nine of 11 passes in the first half, opened the game with eight consecutive completions and connected with Luke Floriea for a touchdown. More importantly, Sanders operated with the confidence and control that defined his two seasons at Colorado.
Afterward, Sanders revealed why everything appeared more natural.
“That’s because I’m myself again,” Sanders said.
The statement carried additional meaning after a rookie season in which Sanders was often focused on learning how to navigate each day in the NFL.
“I would say last year I was more trying to figure out what I have to do each and every day, just to continue everything and be in the right mental space overall,” Sanders said. “This year, I’ve been able to get comfortable, be able to talk to all my teammates a lot more and be able to be myself.”
Sanders remains at his best under pressure
Sanders’ comfort was evident throughout the first half. He distributed the ball to several receivers, managed the play clock and showed patience when plays required additional time to develop.
On a fourth-down completion to Blake Whiteheart, Sanders remained in the pocket and worked through his progression instead of forcing the football.
“We talk about decisions and talk about, okay, you may not get in the perfect play, so don’t try to get too perfect,” Shedeur said. “Just go with your gut and go with how you feel. I stuck with the play, and I went through the progressions.”
Pressure has followed Sanders throughout his career, from playing for his father at Jackson State and Colorado to entering the NFL under an intense spotlight. Sanders uses that as an advantage.
“I like pressure situations. I like two-minute drill,” Sanders said. “I like all these different aspects that you would love your quarterback to be in. That’s what makes me as a person. I grew up with pressure, so I like those moments. That’s when I feel the best.”
he also credited his faith for helping him remain composed during a lightning delay.
“I was just talking to God,” Sanders told Aditi Kinkhabwala at halftime. “He knows what I’m able to go out here and do. I’m just a vessel. He’s just going to shine through me.”
Browns’ quarterback decision arrives Monday
Sanders’ development was not limited to what happened between the lines. During his halftime and postgame interviews, he defended Deshaun Watson after Browns fans booed the quarterback.
“While we work against each other, we’re both people that are trying to get to our goals,” Sanders said. “A lot of the time, it’s like we’re in competition of our ability and what we can do, not as people in real life.”
That competition is about to reach a conclusion. Browns head coach Todd Monken said he will name Cleveland’s starting quarterback Monday, but there has been no clear indication which direction he will go.
Shedeur certainly made a compelling closing argument with his efficient first-half performance. Watson remains part of the competition, however, and Monken must now decide which quarterback will lead the Browns into the regular season.
Sanders insisted he is not anxiously awaiting the answer.
“God taught me patience,” Sanders told Kinkhabwala. “Nothing is going to happen on my time, so why act like it is?”
Sanders said the decision will not change how he prepares.
“Regardless if I’m the starter or not, I’m still going to do my work,” Sanders said. “I’m still going to do what I’ve got to do as if I am.”
Add us as a preferred source on Google