Those Hungry Dawgs Periods have helped Sanders make progress during a rookie year that has included scant practice reps.
The regular season began with Joe Flacco as the Browns’ starting QB and Gabriel getting only a few reps as the backup. When Flacco was traded to the Bengals on Oct. 7 after four games, Sanders was elevated to the No. 2 spot behind Gabriel, but he still got only a few reps in practice. Thus, the value of those private sessions with Stefanski, who is invested in the success of Sanders.
As for Sanders’ first outing in the Week 11 loss to the Ravens, it was a struggle, but it did have some moments.
Sanders ultimately finished 4 of 16 for 47 yards with an interception. However, that came without first-team practice reps in the week preceding the game and without a game plan designed for him. Such a scenario was what Cleveland had hoped to avoid, which is why its preference was to not bring Sanders off the bench to play in the middle of a game.
The injury to Gabriel, however, forced the Browns’ hand.
Sources say Sanders had a very good week of preparation for his first career start on Sunday, throwing it well in practice and preparing well. Among the alterations to Cleveland’s game plan is an expectation for a few more deep shots from Sanders, whose ability to throw it downfield is one of his strengths. The plan for Sunday includes what Sanders likes and is comfortable with.
On the flip side, don’t expect a final determination of Sanders’ status as a franchise QB (or not) after Sunday. The start against the Raiders is one step.
Regardless of how Sunday plays out, any final determination of Sanders’ viability as a future starting QB in Cleveland will not be made off this one game. But with Cleveland owning two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, even development toward having a potential franchise QB is worth monitoring.
