ESPN's star analyst Stephen A. Smith has predicted Shedeur Sanders' into the Cleveland Browns' starting lineup. Smith gave his prediction on Tuesday's episode of First Take while commenting on the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation.
The Browns are 2-6 after Week 8, with Dillon Gabriel guiding their defense for the fourth game on Sunday against the New England Patriots. The Browns are 1-3 with Gabriel as the starter after their 32-12 defeat against the Patriots. This has led to calls for him to be dropped for Sanders.
This call may become a reality in the coming weeks, as per Smith, who said:
“Within the next three weeks or so, we should see Shedeur Sanders.”
Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski dismissed questions about Sanders' chances of starting for the Browns anytime soon on Tuesday. He said:
“Obviously, my focus is where we are right now… That’s not my focus.”
Stefanski picked Gabriel as the Browns' primary quarterback ahead of their bye week and subsequent Week 10 clash against the New York Jets. The coach has since been called out by various experts, including former running back LeSean McCoy, who said:
“He doesn’t like him. Every chance he gets, he shows it. He is scared if #12 goes out there and looks good, he might not look like he knows what he is doing. I talk to #12. You can’t break.”
Shedeur Sanders has been serving as the backup for Gabriel since the latter took over from Joe Flacco as the starter earlier this season. However, he was dropped from the Browns' team that faced the Patriots on Sunday due to a back injury.
Meanwhile, Gabriel had a disappointing performance, completing 21 of 35 passes for 156 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.