Tony Rizzo claims "people are tuning in to see Shedeur Sanders fail" in Browns vs Raiders Showdown

Ahead of Shedeur Sanders’ first NFL start, radio host Tony Rizzo has claimed many will be tuning in to watch the rookie quarterback fail. Rizzo made the claim on Friday on the “Tony Rizzo Show” on 850 ESPN Cleveland.

Opinions have been divided on Sanders since making his way into the league. Many have called out the Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski for denying the Colorado alum playing time while favoring Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel.

On the other hand, there have been views that the 23-year-old is simply not good enough for the NFL. Both sides will be looking to be proven right when he makes his first start against the Las Vegas Raiders. Rizzo pointed this out on his show when he remarked:

“Half the people Sunday are tuning in to see Shedeur play well. Half the people Sunday are tuning in to see Shedeur fail. You ever seen anything like this? I don’t think I have. I wonder how Wednesday and Thursday went for Shedeur.”

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Shedeur Sanders already received a lot of backlash for the lackluster performance he delivered on his debut against the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday. The quarterback only completed four of 16 passes for 47 yards and an interception. Meanwhile, he conceded two sacks in the game.

Sanders got the playing opportunity last Sunday primarily because of Gabriel’s inability to carry on in the second half after suffering a concussion. Similarly, he’s getting the nod for his first start because his fellow rookie has remained on concussion protocol.

Nevertheless, it’s an opportunity the quarterback has been living for, especially through the difficulties of waiting over the past few months.

Stephen A. Smith makes claim over Shedeur Sanders’ future with the Browns

Popular sports analyst Stephen A. Smith has set an agenda for Shedeur Sanders on his anticipated start for the Browns. According to Smith, the quarterback’s future in Cleveland is hanging on how well he does in the game. He said:

“It’s absolutely a make-or-break game for his future with the Browns… He cannot look like trash. He cannot go out there and complete 25% of his passes. He cannot look lost and discombobulated.”

The Browns are 2-8 ahead of the trip to Las Vegas and are in need of stability in their performance. The team will be looking for a chance to overtake the Bengals and climb to third in the AFC North.

Edited by Kayode Akinwumi