Browns OC Tommy Rees warns Shedeur Sanders ahead of rookie's second start vs Robert Saleh's 49ers

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees made it clear on Friday that Shedeur Sanders is stepping into a far more demanding environment on Sunday than he saw in his debut. The rookie quarterback’s second start will be against a challenging San Francisco defense, even if the 49ers’ injury losses and low sack production might suggest otherwise.

Rees and 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will be pitted against each other in the matchup. Sanders and the Browns host San Francisco at Huntington Bank Field, where he will attempt to secure back-to-back victories to open his NFL career.

Speaking with reporters Thursday, Rees explained that Shedeur Sanders will face a system rooted in speed, discipline and layers of disguised pressure.

"You know, they've had a ton of injuries on defense," Rees said. "And to see them play as well as they have ... credit to that staff, obviously you kind of know what you're gonna get with him and the way he structures his defense."

"They play a lot like our defense schematically and which is, you know, something we're accustomed to seeing play hard ... They're a really well coached team and they got, you know, still have good players even through the injuries. So, we gotta make sure we put our best foot forward."

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#Browns OC Tommy Rees on what Shedeur Sanders can expect from this Robert Saleh-coached 49ers defense:

Shedeur Sanders finished his first start, completing 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the 24-10 win over the Raiders, posting an 87.5 passer rating. That effort ended Cleveland’s extended road frustration, but the 8-4 49ers represent an upgrade in complexity from a 2-9 Las Vegas squad.

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Rees stresses mental discipline for Shedeur Sanders & Co against the 49ers' creative pressure concepts

NFL: Cleveland Browns at Las Vegas Raiders - Source: Imagn

Tommy Rees pointed specifically to the way San Francisco disrupts without relying on sack totals as the measure of success. The 49ers enter the game with only 13 sacks, the lowest tally in the league. They recently held Carolina quarterback Bryce Young to a 60.8 rating in a 20-9 victory on Monday.

"They play fast, they rally to the football, they attack you defend," Rees said. "You know, the thing Saleh does really well is his pressure packages. I know the sack numbers aren't maybe what they want, but the pressure on the quarterback, they're able to create that a lot of different ways. So, we'll have our work cut out for us."

San Francisco is without key defensive leaders Nick Bosa and Fred Warner due to season-ending injuries, and roster turnover has reshaped major roles since last season.

Saleh evaluated Shedeur Sanders earlier in the week and commended his mobility, arm strength and composure. He noted that his ability to extend plays outside structure can stress defenses when timing breaks down.