In the high-stakes world of the NFL, the quarterback often shoulders the burden of a loss, regardless of the circumstances. Following the Cleveland Browns’ recent defeat, the box score points an accusing finger at rookie signal-caller Shedeur Sanders, highlighting three interceptions and a stagnant offense. However, a deeper dive into the game reveals a much more troubling reality: the Cleveland Browns are a franchise in systemic collapse, and Shedeur Sanders is being asked to pilot a plane with no engines, no landing gear, and a crew that seems intent on sabotage.

The narrative emerging from the national media—and fueled by what many are calling “reactionary” takes—is that Sanders struggled. But those who watched the game play-by-play witnessed a rookie quarterback fighting for survival behind a “makeshift” offensive line, throwing to receivers who struggle to create separation, and operating under a coaching staff that appears overwhelmed by the basic mechanics of game management.

The “Makeshift” Disaster Up Front

The most glaring issue facing the Browns is not the quarterback, but the offensive line. To call the unit “terrible” might be an understatement. The protection breakdowns were constant, leaving Sanders under siege from the moment the ball was snapped. It wasn’t just the passing game that suffered; the run game was nonexistent. Running back Quinshon Judkins, a talented back in his own right, found himself being met by defensive linemen in the backfield on nearly every handoff.

For the second consecutive week, Shedeur Sanders was the team’s leading rusher. When your quarterback is forced to be your primary ground threat due to the collapse of the pocket, it is an indictment of the offensive line, not the signal-caller. The inability to establish a run game allowed the opposing defense to pin their ears back and hunt Sanders without fear of consequence. Yet, despite being hit, sacked, and hurried, Sanders continued to stand in the pocket and deliver strikes downfield—when his receivers actually gave him a chance.

The Jerry Jeudy Problem

The frustration with the receiving corps has reached a boiling point, centered largely on Jerry Jeudy. Acquired to be a number one option, Jeudy’s performance has been characterized by a lack of effort and an inability to win contested catches. The most egregious example came on a play where Sanders delivered a pinpoint pass to Jeudy in the end zone. The ball hit Jeudy in the chest and hands—a perfect placement—only for the defender to rip it away for an interception.

In the box score, that play is recorded as a mistake by Sanders. In reality, it was a failure by the receiver to secure a touchdown that was gifted to him. Analysts are now openly questioning Jeudy’s value to the team, labeling him “just another guy” (JAG) who cannot be trusted in clutch moments. Outside of rookie Isaiah Bond and tight end Harold Fannin Jr., Sanders has virtually no reliable targets. The defensive scheme was simple: double-team Fannin Jr., because they knew no one else could beat one-on-one coverage. That is a personnel failure that falls squarely on the front office.

Organizational Dysfunction: From Wristbands to Press Conferences

The dysfunction in Cleveland permeates every level of the organization. The game began with an embarrassing sequence where Sanders was reportedly given the wrong wristband containing the plays, forcing the team to burn a timeout or take a delay of game before the offense could even find its rhythm. This level of unpreparedness is inexcusable at the professional level and sets a tone of chaos that is impossible for a rookie quarterback to overcome.

Furthermore, the post-game press conference highlighted a stark contrast in leadership. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, when asked about the team’s struggles, seemed to subtly deflect blame, stating “there are things he [Shedeur] can do better.” In contrast, when Sanders was given the opportunity to throw his teammates or coaches under the bus for the lack of protection or the dropped passes, he refused. He took the high road, showcasing a maturity that seems to be lacking elsewhere in the building.

The Double Standard

Critics were quick to pounce on Sanders’ three interceptions, yet there is a deafening silence regarding the struggles of veteran quarterbacks across the league. Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts have all had multi-interception games and disastrous performances in recent weeks. Yet, when a rookie quarterback playing with a depleted roster has a rough outing, the sharks circle.

Context matters. Shedeur Sanders is arguably the only reason the Browns offense has any pulse at all. He is making throws that few other quarterbacks could make under such duress. To judge his performance without acknowledging the collapsing infrastructure around him is not just unfair; it is intellectually dishonest.

The Deshaun Watson Anchor

Looming over this entire situation is the financial albatross of Deshaun Watson’s contract. The massive salary cap hit has handcuffed the organization, preventing them from acquiring the necessary offensive line help or elite receiving talent that a young quarterback needs to develop. The Browns are trying to build a future around Sanders while still paying the price for the mistakes of the past. Until the front office can navigate this financial minefield, the product on the field will likely remain disjointed.

Conclusion: A Diamond in the Rough

The Cleveland Browns do not have a quarterback problem; they have an everything-else problem. Shedeur Sanders has shown enough flashes of brilliance—even in losses—to prove he belongs in the NFL. He is battling through adversity that would break lesser players.

The fans and analysts who are paying attention see the truth. They see a quarterback who is fighting for his team despite the lack of support. They see a special teams unit that gives up massive returns, a defense that misses tackles, and an offensive line that is a liability. Blaming Shedeur Sanders for the Browns’ loss is the easy, lazy take. The harder truth is that unless the organization fixes the mess around him, they risk wasting a generational talent. The clock is ticking, not on Sanders, but on the regime that is failing him.