Former All-Pro addresses how Sanders’ confidence could impact Browns

Shortly after Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders led the team to a 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in his first regular-season start on Nov. 23, he vowed that he won’t be a failure as a pro signal-caller. 

At least one unnamed NFL executive later said that Sanders’ confidence “doesn’t turn me off at all.” Retired linebacker and former All-Pro Shawne Merriman echoed that executive’s sentiment. 

How Shedeur Sanders’ confidence could be good for Browns

“I do not want to play with a quarterback who’s not confident,” Merriman said during a recent chat with Ryan Gaydos of Fox News Digital. “I just don’t. I think, me personally, I think that little bit of cockiness that Shedeur has gives the Browns a sense that they got a chance to win every week, which they have not had the entire season.” 

Before Sanders helped the Browns secure a victory that improved their record to 3-8 on the season, he stated he believed he could be “the guy” for the franchise. He then completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Raiders. 

In the first quarter, Sanders impressed teammates by throwing a deep pass to rookie wide receiver Isaiah Bond for 52 yards.