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The Shedeur Sanders hype appeared to crater on Sunday when the Cleveland Browns rookie struggled in the team’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers and he faced questions about head coach Kevin Stefanski’s play calling.
Sanders had a touchdown pass to Harold Fannin Jr. that helped Cleveland take the lead in the second quarter and caught the attention of LeBron James. But that was the only offense that resulted in points for the Browns.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders warms up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Cleveland. (Sue Ogrocki/AP Photo)
After that touchdown, the Browns punted the ball away twice. Fannin later fumbled the ball, which was recovered by the 49ers. Browns punt returner Gage Larvadain also fumbled the ball and the 49ers recovered. The Browns also turned the ball over twice in the fourth quarter.
Sanders was asked about Stefanski’s aggressiveness to go for it on fourth down in their own territory.
“I mean, first of all, it’s a rude question to ask if I think it was a good call by my coach,” Sanders said. “… I like being out there playing. So whatever it comes with. We’re not going to be here and never point the finger at any coach or do anything like that. It’s extremely disrespectful. It’s not even in my place.”
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders warms up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Cleveland. (Sue Ogrocki/AP Photo)
Sanders didn’t turn the ball over. But he was 16-of-25 with 149 passing yards. The San Francisco defense got to him three times.
He lamented that he was unable to rally his teammates to get back into the game.
“Even when I shoot my shot and I miss, I just have to keep shooting and keep bringing everybody together. I know the offense and the team is counting on me to do my job and do what I have to do and I feel like I let them down today,” he added.
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Stefanski said Sanders will start No. 3 against the Tennessee Titans next week.
