"I'm not in the excuse business": Ex-Commanders HC delivers blunt reality check on Shedeur Sanders’ NFL debut vs. Ravens

Ex-Commanders HC delivers blunt reality check on Shedeur Sanders’ NFL debut vs. Ravens
Ex-Commanders HC delivers blunt reality check on Shedeur Sanders’ NFL debut vs. Ravens

Former Washington Commanders coach shared his honest thoughts on Shedeur Sanders' Browns debut against the Ravens on Sunday. Coach Prime's son took over as the QB1 in the second half after Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion. However, he failed to lead the team to victory, ending his debut with a 23-16 loss at home.

Ad

On Tuesday's episode of "The Arena: Gridiron," Jay Gruden gave Shedeur Sanders a blunt reality check amid reports of how not having first-team reps impacted his performance on the field. He said that there is no excuse for the rookie quarterback's underwhelming performance.

"First of all, I'm not in the excuse business," Gruden said. "I don't want to hear anybody say he didn't get any reps. They don't know the sanp count. That's pro football. That's the way it's gonna be sometimes.
Ad
"That's just the way it is. All right, this isn't a movie. This isn't Ruby. We're not going to carry off on her shoulders. All right, you got to go out and perform. I don't think Shedeur or I don't think Deion, they don't watch your excuses for their kid. They don't need them."
Ad

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

Ad

Against the Ravens, Shedeur Sanders completed 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards and no touchdowns. He threw one interception and was sacked a total of two times on the field. Following the loss, the Browns are now 2-8 with a three-game losing streak and are placed last in the AFC North.


Browns coach Kevin Stefanski opened up about lack of first team reps for Shedeur Sanders

In the post-game press conference, Kevin Stefanski said that Shedeur Sanders did not have any practice or reps with the first team this season. He then highlighted the reasoning behind this decision.

Ad
"You're always trying to get your starter ready to play and certainly, when your starter is a rookie, those are very valuable reps," Stefanski said as per PFT. When your backup is also a rookie, you do everything in your power to get our quarterbacks as many reps as possible. Post practice, after practice, extra meeting time. So that's just part of how it goes. But the bottom line is we trust both our players. We trust all our players because of the work that they put in."
Ad

Before declaring for the 2025 NFL draft, Shedeur Sanders helped the Colorado Buffaloes to a 9-4 record and an Alamo Bowl appearance. He was also honored with the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which is given to the nation's best upperclassman quarterback for the season.

The Browns are next scheduled to face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET.

Ravens Nation! Check out the latest Baltimore Ravens Schedule and dive into the latest Ravens Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

Quick Links

Edited by Priyam Hazarika
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
down arrow icon
More
bell-icon Manage notifications