Browns coach Kevin Stefanski explains his controversial Shedeur Sanders game ball snub
Everything that happens involving polarizing rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders generates headlines and talk-show chatter, even a perceived snub following his first NFL start and victory.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski was asked this week about the uproar surrounding him not presenting Sanders with a game ball following last Sunday’s 24-10 win over the Raiders.
“Every game, you go into it trying to just highlight guys,” said Stefanski, who did mention Sanders during his post-game address to the team. “Myles [Garrett] got a game ball. I thought he was probably pretty worthy. But you’re just trying to constantly recognize your guys.
“We spent time [this week], as well, pointing out all of our guys and the jobs they did. Pointed out Gage Larvadain having a big punt return, which was huge for our team. Your D-line doesn’t get 10 sacks unless the coverage is really good. Obviously, a rookie starting his first game on the road getting a win is huge. So you acknowledge all that with your team.”
Garrett registered three sacks against the Raiders, giving him 13 in Cleveland’s past four gamesand an NFL high 18 for the season.
The 23-year-old Sanders completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception last week in Las Vegas after making his NFL debut in relief the previous week after fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel had suffered a concussion.
The son of Hall of Famer and current Colorado coach Deion Sanders had plummeted from a potential top-5 draft pick until the Browns eventually tabbed him in the fifth round (144th overall).
Sanders said earlier this week that his relationship with Stefanski — a two-time NFL Coach of the Year — has been a typical player-coach connection.
“Definitely like a coach,” Sanders said. “He tells me what I need to do on and off the field. We’ve definitely grown. Our relationship and everything has grown, so I’m just thankful to be here.”
