The decision felt satisfactory after Sanders had performed well in his first three starts of the season, but Stefanski making it official should fend off lingering questions.
On Sunday, the Browns fell 31-29 at home to Tennessee, but Sanders did his thing, cutting down a big play and holding Cleveland in the shootout. The freshman went 23 of 42 for 364 yards, three touchdown passes, one interception and added a team-high 29 rushing yards and another score. Sanders had career highs in completion percentage, passing yards and passing touchdowns. He became the second rookie since at least 1970 with 350-plus passing yards, three-plus passing TDs and one-plus rushing TDs in one game (Joe Burrow in Week 7; 2020 vs. CLE).
Sanders’ ability to stretch the field has helped open up limited offenses. The rookie has shown great touch downfield and can thread the needle when needed. He joined Aaron Rodgers as the only other QB since 2000 to record four 50-plus yards in his first three career starts.
Sunday’s hearing was one area where Sanders can clean up his game. In the third quarter, the QB felt pressure and drove back sharply before making a late plea over the middle that was swiped. He can also improve on getting the ball out quicker. He leads the NFL with a 3.39-second time to throw among QBs with at least 100 attempts.
These are both problems that playtime can help develop. With Stefanski’s announcement, Sanders has the next four weeks to audition for the 2026 role.