Shedeur Sanders' Poise Under Fire Impresses the Cleveland Browns Coaches

In the lead-up to the NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns’ coaching staff has been closely evaluating top quarterback prospects—and one name has risen to the forefront of their discussions: Shedeur Sanders. While Sanders’ arm strength and accuracy have drawn attention, it’s his remarkable poise under pressure that has truly caught the eye of Browns coaches, including head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Time and again, whether facing a ferocious pass rush in big games or navigating late-game comebacks, Sanders has remained calm, made smart decisions, and delivered clutch plays—traits the Browns value deeply in a quarterback. Shedeur Sanders' Poise Under Fire Impresses the Cleveland Browns Coaches breaks down the moments that have showcased this poise, how it aligns with the Browns’ offensive philosophy, and why the coaching staff sees potential in Sanders to thrive in Cleveland’s system. For the Browns, who have long sought stability at the quarterback position, Sanders’ ability to stay composed when the game is on the line isn’t just a skill—it’s a game-changer.

Shedeur Sanders' Poise Under Fire Impresses the Cleveland Browns Coaches starts with a defining moment from Sanders’ final college season: a Week 10 matchup against a top-ranked defense that sacked him five times in the first half. Despite the constant pressure—including multiple blitzes and edge rushes that forced him out of the pocket—Sanders didn’t crumble. In the third quarter, with his team trailing by 10 points and facing a 3rd-and-15 from his own 20-yard line, he evaded two defenders, stepped up in the pocket, and delivered a 40-yard strike to a wide receiver in double coverage. The play sparked a comeback, and Sanders went on to throw three second-half touchdowns, leading his team to a 31-28 win. “That’s the kind of moment that separates good quarterbacks from great ones,” Van Pelt said in a recent scouting meeting, according to sources close to the team. “Most young QBs would get flustered after taking that many hits, but Shedeur stayed locked in. He made the right read, kept his eyes downfield, and delivered a perfect pass. That’s poise you can’t teach.” The Browns’ coaches have rewatched this game repeatedly, noting how Sanders adjusted his approach in the second half—using quick releases and shorter routes to neutralize the pass rush—without sacrificing production.

Another example of Sanders’ poise that has resonated with the Browns’ coaching staff is his performance in late-game situations. In his college career, Sanders led 12 fourth-quarter comebacks, including a memorable one in the conference championship game. Trailing by 7 points with 2:15 left, Sanders faced a 4th-and-10 on his own 30-yard line. With the defense sending an all-out blitz, he stepped back, scanned the field, and found a tight end over the middle for a 15-yard gain to keep the drive alive. Two plays later, he hit a wide receiver on a deep post route for a 55-yard touchdown, tying the game and sending it to overtime. In overtime, he led a 60-yard drive that ended with a game-winning field goal. “Late-game poise is non-negotiable for us,” Stefanski explained during a press conference about draft preparations. “You need a quarterback who can make decisions when the clock is winding down and the crowd is screaming. Shedeur does that better than almost any prospect in this class. He doesn’t rush, he doesn’t force plays—he stays patient and executes.” The Browns’ coaches have also noted Sanders’ ability to communicate with his teammates during these high-pressure moments, often adjusting plays at the line of scrimmage to exploit defensive weaknesses—a skill that aligns with Stefanski’s emphasis on pre-snap flexibility.

Shedeur Sanders' Poise Under Fire Impresses the Cleveland Browns Coaches also highlights how Sanders’ composure translates to his decision-making under pressure. Unlike some young quarterbacks who force throws into tight coverage when facing a rush, Sanders consistently makes smart choices: he either throws the ball away to avoid a sack, checks down to a running back, or uses his mobility to extend the play and find an open receiver. In one game last season, he faced a blitz on 60% of his dropbacks but only threw one interception—compared to the national average of 2.5 interceptions for quarterbacks under similar pressure. “Decision-making is the most important trait we look for in a quarterback,” Van Pelt said. “Shedeur understands that sometimes the best play is to not make a bad play. He doesn’t try to be a hero—he plays within the system, and that’s exactly what we need in our offense.” For the Cleveland Browns, this aligns perfectly with their offensive philosophy, which prioritizes ball control and minimizing turnovers. Stefanski’s system relies on quarterbacks who can read defenses quickly, make adjustments, and avoid costly mistakes—all areas where Sanders’ poise shines.

A key reason Sanders’ poise has stood out to the Browns’ coaching staff is his ability to learn from adversity. After a game early in the season where he struggled with pressure (throwing two interceptions and taking four sacks), Sanders spent extra time watching film with his coaches, analyzing how defenses were attacking him, and practicing escape drills to improve his mobility. In his next game, he faced a similarly aggressive defense but only took one sack and didn’t throw an interception, leading his team to a blowout win. “The mark of a good player is how they respond to failure,” Stefanski said. “Shedeur didn’t make excuses—he put in the work to get better, and it showed on the field. That’s the kind of mindset we want in our locker room.” For the Cleveland Browns, who have dealt with quarterbacks who struggled to bounce back from tough games in the past, this resilience is a critical factor. Sanders’ willingness to adapt and grow not only showcases his poise but also his commitment to excellence—traits that endear him to coaches looking to build a sustainable winning culture.

Shedeur Sanders' Poise Under Fire Impresses the Cleveland Browns Coaches concludes with what the coaching staff’s interest in Sanders means for the team’s future. While the Browns currently have Deshaun Watson as their starter, they’ve made it clear they’re looking to build depth at the quarterback position—and Sanders represents a potential long-term investment. His poise under fire, combined with his ability to fit into Stefanski’s system, makes him a valuable prospect for the Browns, whether they select him in the draft or consider him as a future replacement. “We’re always looking for players who can help us win now and in the future,” Stefanski said. “Shedeur has the tools, the mindset, and the poise to be successful in this league, and we’re excited to keep evaluating him.” For the Cleveland Browns fanbase, the interest in Sanders is a sign that the team is thinking ahead, prioritizing stability at the quarterback position, and seeking players who embody the resilience the Dawg Pound values. In the end, Sanders’ poise under fire isn’t just a skill that impresses coaches—it’s a trait that could help the Browns finally find the consistency they’ve been chasing at the game’s most important position.