"Shedeur Sanders hasn't been good": Emmanuel Acho makes feelings known on Browns QB's 2-INT game vs. Bills

When Shedeur Sanders took over as the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback in Week 12, it was his chance to prove he can be team's long-term QB1. However, the team is still undecided after his five starts.

Although Sanders has delivered some encouraging moments, he hasn't been consistent enough to erase doubts about whether he can be the team's solution at quarterback.

NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho addressed Sanders’ development, explaining that uneven performances are common among rookie signal-callers. He stressed that what makes Sanders’ situation different is the limited margin for error he faces compared to other rookies.

"Shedeur hasn't been great," Acho said on Sunday, via "Speakeasy." "He hasn't even been good. He has shown promise. Jaxson Dart hasn't been great and he hasn't been good at all. He sucked today. Cam Ward hasn't been great either. The one rookie quarterback that's been great is Tyler Shough.

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"My tension with Shedeur is this: Shedeur just doesn't have the luxury of not being great because of where he was drafted. Cam Ward is No. 1 overall. He's starting next year, regardless. Tyler Shough has played great and he's going to be OK. Jaxson Dart is a first-round pick. He's starting next year regardless."

Acho also noted that Sanders has the most to prove among the Browns' quarterbacks.

"Shedeur, your team has two first-round picks, so of all the quarterbacks that need to be great, he's the one who has to be playing great because he has the least invested in him and he just hasn't been great," Acho said.

Like many rookie quarterbacks, Sanders has experienced a mix of highs and lows in his first year as a starter. His performance against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday reflected that inconsistency.

Sanders showed progress by completing a career-high 69% of his passes and added a team-leading 49 rushing yards. However, his passing production was limited at 157 yards, and he passed multiple interceptions for the second consecutive game.

The former Colorado star had two chances to engineer a game-winning drive against Buffalo, but costly mistakes proved decisive as Cleveland suffered a 23-20 loss. The defeat further complicated the rookie’s case as the franchise’s long-term answer.

Cleveland (3-12) is third in the 2026 draft order, and a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17 could elevate the franchise to second. If Sanders doesn’t close the season with stronger performances, the Browns could find themselves drafting at the top. It could make them seriously consider taking another quarterback.

Cleveland HC Kevin Stefanski praised Shedeur Sanders' toughness after the Browns' Week 16 loss

Shedeur Sanders looked sharp early against the Buffalo Bills. He opened the game by completing eight straight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown to Harold Fannin Jr. However, his afternoon took a turn when he suffered a finger injury in the second quarter.

Sanders attempted to keep playing, but with blood streaming from his right pinky, he was forced to exit and head to the locker room.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski commended Sanders for his toughness, noting his determination to play through pain and keep plays alive by rushing.

"Sanders battled like he does," Stefanski said to reporters after the game. "I thought he made some unbelievable plays with his feet today, which I thought going in the game that might be the case. He’ll fight through injuries, but really proud of how he fought."

Sanders was able to return and finish the game. The injury is not expected to affect his status heading into Week 17.

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez