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Former NFL MVP quarterback Cam Newton is coming to Shedeur Sanders’ defense.
On Sunday, Sanders had a terrible NFL debut when he replaced an injured Dillon Gabriel in the second half of the game.
Sanders ended up going 4/16 with 47 yards passing and an interception for a 13.5 passer rating.
After the game, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski admitted that Sunday’s game was the first time Sanders played with the first-team offense.
Kevin Stefanski confirmed that the second half of today’s game was Shedeur Sanders’ first snaps with the starting offense since he was drafted by the Browns.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) November 17, 2025
Sanders went on to say that it was tough for him to get settled in because he wasn’t familiar with his teammates on the field.
“It’s different when it’s different body types going out there—different way how people get out of routes. What I seen on the pick initially was I see his hips turn, so I’m like, okay, we’re going to be able to get out there.
“At the same time, playing quarterback is extremely hard. So it’s like, I like knowing every detail about my receivers. I like knowing small things, what they’re good at, what they’re not good at. It’s like so many details that helps me play confident with those guys. And I know, you know, we are at the bottom right now.”
Shedeur Sanders on the importance of having reps with the 1st team Offense:
“It’s different when it’s different body types going out there.”💯 pic.twitter.com/2XuYusYMHD
— GUCCE🦬🐦⬛ (@gucceCU) November 17, 2025
On Monday, Newton says he believes Stefanski set up Sanders to fail on Sunday.
“I do not think Kevin Stefanski wants Shedeur Sanders to succeed in Cleveland,” he said.
Newton explained that his backup always got first-team reps just in case something went wrong during the gme.
“Circa 2015, circle when Cam Newton was the MVP, my backup for majority of my career was probably the biggest blessing of my career to have a veteran in Derek Anderson. Ron Rivera still knew we’re one play away fom you not being available. We would have anywhere from six to twelve reps in every single practice…You plan for that what ifs in this league, you don’t know if you’re going to have your quarterback.”
“I do not think Kevin Stefanski wants Shedeur Sanders to succeed in Cleveland.” 👀
Cam Newton on the Browns head coach after Shedeur Sanders took his first first-team reps against the Ravens. pic.twitter.com/tim89FUwa3
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 17, 2025