by: Nick Schultz 53 minutes ago NickSchultz_7
When the Cleveland Browns announced Shedeur Sanders would start Friday’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, some analysts expressed concern. They wondered if the former Colorado star was being “set up to fail” by starting the preseason opener.
Through the first half, Sanders impressed, which led to a wave of reaction on social media. That drew a strong response from CBS Sports’ Danny Kanell , who called out the about-face he saw from some analysts.
The idea of Sanders being “set up to fail” made its way around multiple times. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III posted it on X shortly after the announcement, and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith also said the same this week.
Just a PSA for all NFL fans: All the same dudes who said Shedeur Sanders was “set up to fail” bizarrely because he was forced to start a preseason game ()will now say he should be QB1. Both takes are stupid. Just don’t fall for either!
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) August 9, 2025
“Just a PSA for all NFL fans: All the same dudes who said Shedeur Sanders was ‘set up to fail’ bizarrely because he was forced to start a preseason game will now say he should be QB1,” Kanell wrote on X. “Both takes are stupid. Just don’t fall for either!”
Sanders looked impressive as he got the start Friday. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in over two quarters of action. At the time of his departure, the Browns had a 21-7 lead over the Carolina Panthers.