Establish a Foundation for QB Shedeur Sanders

Establish a Foundation for QB Shedeur Sanders | FYM News

The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for their first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. All eyes are on rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. With Dillon Gabriel sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Sanders gets the nod to start. Coach Kevin Stefanski emphasizes keeping the game plan simple, enabling young players to play fast and showcase what they’ve learned in training camp. This game presents a crucial opportunity to evaluate Sanders’ ability to manage an NFL offense. The Browns also aim to pressure Panthers’ quarterbacks. Specifically, Bryce Young, and solidify their offensive line. It promises an intense preseason opener filled with opportunities for young talent and crucial evaluations.

Keys to the Game

Establish a Foundation for QB Shedeur Sanders

The Browns are entrusting their first preseason game to rookie QB Shedeur Sanders. He is starting due to Dillon Gabriel’s hamstring injury. Coach Stefanski has confirmed that Sanders will get significant playing time during the preseason. This offers him a platform to demonstrate his progress from training camp.

When you get these preseason games, you try to keep it very simple so guys can play fast. All concepts that our players know can kind of not think too much and just play ball.

With a quarterback competition underway, these reps are invaluable for assessing Sanders’ poise under pressure. Evaluating how he navigates an NFL defense is vital. This game serves as a critical evaluation point for Sanders, giving the Browns insight into his readiness for the regular season.

Pressure QB Bryce Young and the Panthers’ Quarterbacks

Bryce Young is entering his third NFL season. He threw for 2,404 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024, absorbing only 29 sacks. Although Young may only play a portion of the game, it provides a valuable opportunity to assess the Browns’ defensive pressure against a seasoned NFL quarterback.

The playmaking and game-changing ability hasn’t changed. I think it’s just him finding his own confidence, being comfortable in the role and then allowing him to lead and standing behind him. He’s only going to continue to settle in and become a bigger and bigger playmaker.

The Browns’ defensive front is expected to feature a mix of young and new players. This includes DT Mason Graham, LB Carson Schwesinger, and DEs Isaiah McGuire, Sam Kamara, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. These players will benefit from game experience, refining their pass-rushing techniques. This preseason game is critical for developing the depth and effectiveness of the Browns’ defensive line.

Top Moments from Joint Practices

Top Moments from a Joint Practice with the Carolina Panthers Check out the top shots from Day 11 of 2025 Browns Training Camp as players got to work with drills, workouts and team prep in Charlotte

Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) and Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Tight end David Njoku (85) and former Browns center Austin Corbett (63) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Safety Damontae Kazee (23) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Safety Grant Delpit (9) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) and Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Linebackers Coach Jason Tarver during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Running back Toa Taua (35) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) and Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Assistant Special Teams Coach Kyle Hoke during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Defensive Line Coach Jacques Cesaire during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Cornerback Keenan Isaac (38) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Safety Grant Delpit (9) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Former Browns center Austin Corbett (63), Running back Toa Taua (35) and Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Assistant Defensive Line Coach Adam Morris during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Former Browns center Austin Corbett, Running back Toa Taua (35) and Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.

Kicker Andre Szmyt (47) during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Day 11 of Training Camp in Charlotte on August 6, 2025.