The scoreboard at Huntington Bank Field read 26-8, a stark reminder of the gap between the Cleveland Browns and the championship-caliber San Francisco 49ers. But in the aftermath of a defeat that crushed the post-Raiders optimism, a different kind of conflict is brewing—not on the field, but in the court of public opinion.

As analysts and fans dissect the wreckage of a game where the offense sputtered and stalled, a glaring and uncomfortable reality has emerged. It is a tale of two quarterbacks, treated with two entirely different sets of rules. On one side stands Shedeur Sanders, the high-profile rookie receiving patience, context, and protection. On the other is the ghost of Dillon Gabriel, the former starter who was afforded none of the above.

The “Context” Privilege

The narrative following the 49ers loss has been swift and unified: Don’t blame Shedeur. Analysts have rushed to point out the obvious deficiencies in the Browns’ supporting cast. They cite an offensive line that leaked pressure, receivers who lead the league in drops, and a conservative play-calling strategy that handcuffed the young signal-caller.

And they are right. The situation in Cleveland is dire.

However, the controversy lies in the fact that these exact same circumstances existed weeks ago when Dillon Gabriel was under center. When Gabriel struggled to move the chains behind the same porous line, or when his passes bounced off the hands of the same inconsistent receivers, the analysis was brutal and binary. He was labeled a failure. He was told he didn’t belong. There were no soliloquies about “developmental patience” or “systemic failure.” He was simply benched.

The Statistical Mirror

When you strip away the names and look at the numbers, the double standard becomes undeniable. Against the 49ers, Sanders completed 16 of 25 passes for 149 yards and one touchdown. It was a clean performance with zero interceptions, but it was far from explosive. The offense failed to convert a single fourth down (0-for-4) and was abysmal on third down (3-for-11).

In the second half, the unit collapsed entirely, with Sanders managing just 53 passing yards as the 49ers made adjustments that Cleveland could not counter.

Historically, when Gabriel posted similar stat lines—efficient but low-volume passing in losing efforts—he was criticized for a lack of processing speed and an inability to elevate the team. Conversely, Sanders’ performance is being hailed as “promising.” His lone touchdown pass is dissected as a moment of brilliance, while his second-half struggle is attributed to the team failing him.

Why the Disparity?

The uncomfortable truth, one that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, is that evaluation in the NFL is rarely just about football. Shedeur Sanders arrived in Cleveland with a built-in infrastructure of celebrity and brand power. His father’s legacy, his massive social media following, and his personal charisma make him a valuable asset to the league’s storytelling machine.

This “star power” grants him a shield. Media members and analysts have a professional incentive to maintain a relationship with the Sanders camp, leading to softer critiques and more generous interpretations of his play. Dillon Gabriel, lacking that machinery, was judged strictly on the harsh reality of the scoreboard.

Stefanski Stays the Course

Despite the offensive struggles, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has confirmed that Sanders will remain the starter for the upcoming clash against the Tennessee Titans. This decision is likely the correct one for the organization’s long-term future. Sanders possesses physical tools and a ceiling that previous starters simply did not have.

However, the upcoming game offers a fascinating subplot: a duel with Titans quarterback Cam Ward. Ward, a first-round pick, versus Sanders, who slid to the fifth round, creates a narrative rich with draft-day tension. But as fans tune in, the lingering question of fairness remains.

A Call for Honest Evaluation

Supporting Shedeur Sanders does not require rewriting history. It is entirely possible to believe that Sanders is the future of the franchise while admitting that the organization and the media failed Dillon Gabriel.

Browns fans are smart. They see the hypocrisy. They know that if the jersey number were different, the headlines today would be calling for a benching, not preaching patience. If Cleveland is to truly move forward, the evaluation must be honest. Sanders deserves time to grow, yes—but let’s stop pretending that this grace is standard procedure in Cleveland. It is a new luxury, purchased with a famous last name, and it highlights a ruthlessness in the business of football that usually leaves players like Gabriel out in the cold.

As the team prepares for Tennessee, the hope is that Sanders can turn these “flashes” into consistent fire. Because eventually, even the strongest media shields crack under the weight of losing.