In a recent episode of the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show, former NFL quarterback Brian Hoyer shared his insights on the Cleveland Browns’ current quarterback situation, focusing particularly on rookie Shedeur Sanders.

With the Browns navigating yet another tumultuous season, Hoyer’s perspective sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing the team as they search for stability at the quarterback position.

Hoyer, a Lakewood native and former Browns quarterback, articulated the unique pressures that come with playing for Cleveland.

He compared the role to that of quarterbacks for other high-profile franchises, such as the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers, stating that the expectations are immense.

“Being a Cleveland Browns quarterback is one of the most difficult jobs in the entire universe,” Hoyer remarked, highlighting the relentless search for a franchise savior.

The Browns have cycled through numerous quarterbacks over the years, and the pressure to find a long-term solution weighs heavily on both the players and the organization.

Reflecting on his own experience, Hoyer recalled the challenges he faced during his time with the team, particularly when competing against players like Johnny Manziel.

“It becomes tough because they’re looking for the answer,” he explained, noting that the lack of sustained success has made it difficult for any quarterback to establish himself in Cleveland.

With the franchise having seen 42 different quarterbacks don the jersey, the quest for stability continues.

Hoyer expressed optimism about Shedeur Sanders, advocating for the rookie to be given the opportunity to play out the remainder of the season.

“I’d give Shadour the rest of the season,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of evaluating Sanders’ potential before the offseason.

Hoyer believes that understanding what the team has in Sanders is crucial as they prepare for future decisions regarding the quarterback position.

However, Hoyer noted that there seems to be a lack of trust in Sanders from the coaching staff, particularly in how the play-calling has been structured.

He observed that Sanders has been limited to screens and quick passes, suggesting that the team is not allowing him to fully demonstrate his capabilities as a quarterback.

“It feels like there are so many seatbelts and guardrails,” Hoyer said, questioning whether the coaching staff is protecting Sanders or simply lacks confidence in his abilities.

As the discussion progressed, Hoyer emphasized the necessity of removing the “training wheels” from Sanders’ game.

He argued that allowing the young quarterback to throw the ball more frequently—potentially 35 to 40 times a game—would provide valuable insights into his capabilities.

“You have to know what you have in Shadour,” he asserted, highlighting the urgency of making informed decisions as the offseason approaches.

The former quarterback also touched on the importance of a strong run game to support Sanders.

While he acknowledged that the Browns’ run game has been effective, he cautioned against placing the entire burden on Sanders’ shoulders.

“You don’t want to put this whole game on his shoulders,” he advised, indicating that a balanced approach would benefit both the quarterback and the team as a whole.

Hoyer was careful to differentiate Sanders from other high-profile quarterbacks like Johnny Manziel and Tim Tebow, who have faced their own controversies.

He noted that while there may be hype surrounding Sanders, it is crucial to recognize that he is not responsible for the narratives that have emerged around him.

“That’s not Shadour’s fault,” Hoyer clarified, emphasizing the importance of accepting Sanders for who he is and allowing him to thrive without undue pressure.

The former NFL quarterback pointed out that the media and fans often create distractions for players, and it’s essential for the team to focus on what truly matters: the performance on the field.

Hoyer believes that if the locker room supports Sanders, that’s all that should matter, regardless of external opinions.

As the conversation turned toward the future, Hoyer made a compelling argument for the Browns to commit to Sanders as their starting quarterback moving forward.

He stressed that the organization must either fully embrace Sanders or move on from him to avoid repeating the cycle of uncertainty that has plagued the franchise for years.

“You can’t do this again with another quarterback,” he warned, pointing out that constant changes at the position are detrimental to team stability.

Hoyer’s insights underscore the critical nature of the next few weeks for Sanders and the Browns.

With only a handful of games left in the season, it is imperative for the coaching staff to allow Sanders to showcase his abilities and determine whether he is the right fit for the future.

The stakes are high, and the pressure is on both the player and the organization to make the most of this opportunity.

Throughout the discussion, Hoyer also reflected on the broader culture within the Browns organization.

He highlighted the importance of accountability and a strong team culture, drawing comparisons to his experiences with the New England Patriots.

“You can’t win until you keep from losing,” he quoted, emphasizing the need for a disciplined approach to avoid costly mistakes that have historically plagued the Browns.

Hoyer noted that successful teams often have a culture enforced by the players themselves, rather than solely relying on coaching staff.

This kind of environment fosters accountability and drives performance, which is something the Browns have struggled to establish consistently.

As the Cleveland Browns navigate the complexities of their quarterback situation, Brian Hoyer’s insights provide valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

With Shedeur Sanders at the center of the discussion, the team faces a pivotal moment that could shape its future for years to come.

Whether the organization chooses to embrace Sanders as its long-term solution or continues to search for answers will ultimately determine the direction of the franchise.

The coming weeks will be critical for both Sanders and the Browns, as they seek to build a foundation for success amidst the challenges of the NFL.

With Hoyer’s call for commitment and trust in Sanders, fans are left hopeful that this young quarterback can rise to the occasion and lead the team into a brighter future.