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Booger McFarland: Shedeur Sanders has 'his opportunity' for Cleveland Browns in first NFL start

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz11/20/25NickSchultz_7
Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders
© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

After jumping into action last week against the Baltimore Ravens, Shedeur Sanders will make his first NFL start on Sunday against the New York Jets. He will have a full week of practice to prepare, and ESPN’s Booger McFarland had a strong message for the former Colorado star.

Following Sanders’ appearance against the Ravens, much of the conversation was about whether he was properly prepared for the moment. Specifically, criticism mounted about the lack of reps he had with the starters while backing up Dillon Gabriel.

However, McFarland said the situation in Cleveland is complicated with two rookie quarterbacks, which is why Sanders didn’t get reps with the 1s. But now that he’s starting, he can make the most of the opportunity at hand.

“I think there’s equal blame to go around,” McFarland said Wednesday on SportsCenter. “I’ve been listening to this narrative all week long that the coaching staff is sabotaging Shedeur Sanders. Let’s understand this – until a month ago, he was the No. 3 quarterback. No. 3 quarterbacks get zero reps. Then, you trade away Joe Flacco. Now, he becomes the No. 2, but he’s the No. 2 behind a rookie who you’re trying to get ready. So they’re going to be limited reps for not just the first rookie, for the second rookie.

“With all that being said, he has his opportunity right now. Today is Wednesday. He knows he’s the starter – he has all week long to prepare. He can get every rep, he can be at the facility at 5 a.m., he can leave at 10:00 at night. This is his week to go out and show, ‘I have a week to prepare as the starter, I am the starter on Sunday.’ Now, show up and perform. Because as a player, at some point, the onus is on you to go out and perform. So now, he’s got his opportunity. Let’s make the best of it, Shedeur.”

After Gabriel left with an injury against Baltimore – which will also keep him out against the Jets – Sanders went just 4-of-16 for 47 yards and an interception while being sacked twice. It marked his NFL debut after starting the year as the Browns’ QB3 behind Gabriel and Flacco. Gabriel then became the starter after Flacco headed to the Cincinnati Bengals, making Sanders QB2.

Now, Sanders will get a chance as Cleveland’s starting quarterback on Sunday against the Jets. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS.