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In college, Shedeur Sanders was him. In the NFL, he is becoming Tim.
And that’s not good.
The only thing NFL coaches hate more than pre-snap penalties are distractions. And this is where Sanders’ star power works against him with the Cleveland Browns. Remember Tim Tebow? Of course you do. He is the only drafted Broncos quarterback to win a playoff game. He was traded after that season, started two games for the New York Jets, and disappeared into TV work.
Sanders profiles as an NFL starter. Should be one.
But the league did not see him that way, with 143 players selected before the Browns pulled the ripcord on his free fall. Even that was a mess since they had drafted Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel in the third round. Fifth-round picks are not guaranteed roster spots. Sanders needed to show up in Cleveland with a low profile — no personal media crew, and, in hindsight, an Uber gift card to avoid speeding tickets.
Sanders is better than Gabriel, whose helmet is already hitting his ceiling. But that doesn’t matter. If the Browns believe Sanders is a backup — and foolishly keeping four quarterbacks on the opening roster will scream as much — then they will want him to blend into the furniture.
CU fans love Shedeur’s brand. The style. The watch flex. It worked famously in Boulder. But for all the advantages of playing for his father, Deion Sanders, there was a clear downside of facing no consequences or competition.
His success was legendary. In the NFL, he is currently viewed as ordinary. It’s not fair. However, unless you are a first-round pick, have a huge contract, or are a coach’s favorite, you don’t get the benefit of the doubt.
Coaches don’t want celebrity quarterbacks. And they definitely don’t want celebrity backup quarterbacks. Don’t believe it? How quickly did the careers of Cam Newton and Jay Cutler end?
Sanders, who sat out last week with an oblique injury, will play in the Browns’ final preseason game after 40-year-old starter Joe Flacco and Gabriel.
Sanders’ popularity is a multiplier. It works great when you are leading the team. Right now, he could fit anywhere from second to fourth on the depth chart.
This might be Sanders’ best shot to start in the NFL. There is only one way to beat the system: Quiet all the noise and beat out the players ahead of him.
MPJ Talks the Talk: Michael Porter Jr. clearly wanted out of Denver. He aims to be featured on the floor and off. MPJ has spoken freely about numerous issues since being traded to the Nets, including having a “vice in the form of women.” Porter was always a candid interview. But word of advice: MPJ, your podcast is becoming TMI (too much information).
Schaeffer’s future: Fans falling for the Rockies’ 15-17 record after the All-Star break are missing the larger point. They have some good young players. But, they have no can’t-miss starting pitchers in the minors. It is a reflection of a draft-and-development problem that demands an entirely new front office. That said, manager Warren Schaeffer has shown he is capable. Same with hitting instructor Jordan Pacheco, who has helped reduce strikeouts over the last month. They deserve praise, but no guarantees of jobs, because the next general manager must have freedom to hire his own staff and scouts.
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Troy Renck
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