Shedeur Sanders struggles with negative yards in preseason finale

In August 2025, Shedeur Sanders experienced a rocky outing in his final preseason game for the Cleveland Browns, finishing with a reported -27 passing yards. This performance starkly contrasted with his initial showing in early August against the Carolina Panthers, where he achieved two touchdown passes and garnered praise from influential figures like LeBron James. The shift in his performance raised eyebrows among fans and media alike, leading to critical discussions around coaching decisions, particularly regarding head coach Kevin Stefanski's choice to bench Sanders during crucial moments. Many supporters criticized the Browns' management, feeling that they weren't utilizing Sanders' potential effectively and even speculated whether there was a vague conspiracy against him since the NFL Draft. The Browns had selected Sanders as their third-round pick, but the recent developments left him at the bottom of the quarterback depth chart alongside fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who had shown stronger potential after starting in the recent game. The Cleveland fanbase has expressed dissatisfaction, urging the team to spotlight Sanders rather than opting for Gabriel, who notably presented himself in a whimsical fashion by wearing jean shorts and carrying a purse. As the preseason continues, observers and analysts are left to question the overall direction of the Browns and whether they can provide sufficient support for Sanders's growth as a quarterback moving forward.