In the ever-turbulent world of the Cleveland Browns, the spotlight has shifted to rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and no one is making a stronger case for him than ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

After a challenging game that marked Sanders’ first loss as a starting quarterback, the debate rages on: should he remain the starter for the rest of the season? In a recent episode of “First Take,” Smith passionately argued that the Browns must commit to Sanders, regardless of the team’s current struggles.

Sanders faced the San Francisco 49ers in what turned out to be a rough outing for the Browns, culminating in a 26-8 defeat.

Despite the loss, Sanders threw for 149 yards and a touchdown, but he was sacked three times, highlighting the ongoing issues with the Browns’ offensive line.

Following the game, head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Sanders would be the starter for the upcoming matchup against the Titans.

However, the critical question remains: is this the right move for the franchise moving forward?

Smith’s argument centers on the necessity of giving Sanders a fair chance to prove himself as the future of the franchise.

“If you’ve given Dylan Gabriel and Joe Flacco opportunities to evaluate them, you need to do the same for Shedeur Sanders,” he stated emphatically.

This sentiment echoes a growing frustration among fans and analysts who feel that the Browns have not adequately supported their young quarterback.

Smith pointed out that the Browns lack the talent necessary to compete at a high level, stating, “They don’t have a specific or dynamic number one option, whether at the tight end position or a receiver position.”

This reality places an immense burden on Sanders, who is expected to lead a struggling offense with limited weapons.

He compared Sanders’ situation to that of Dak Prescott during his rookie year, where strong support from an offensive line and running back helped propel Prescott to success.

Unfortunately, the Browns do not currently possess such support.

One of the core arguments Smith makes is the importance of continuity for a young quarterback.

“You want to use every opportunity under the sun to explore whether or not [Sanders] can manufacture into a starting quarterback,” he asserted.

By allowing Sanders to play through his mistakes and learn from his experiences, the Browns can better assess his potential to lead the team in the future.

Despite Sanders’ struggles, Smith noted that he had a solid start to the game, completing eight of his first eleven passes.

However, the second half saw a dramatic drop in offensive production, with the team only managing 76 yards.

Smith pointed out that Sanders’ average time to throw was over 3.37 seconds, the longest for a Browns quarterback in three seasons.

This stat raises concerns about Sanders’ ability to process the game quickly and make decisions under pressure, a crucial skill for any successful NFL quarterback.

The Browns have been on a seemingly endless quest for a franchise quarterback, and the stakes are high.

With the team’s current roster not featuring a clear long-term solution at the position, Smith argues that now is the time to give Sanders the chance to grow.

“Dylan Gabriel is absolutely not a starter in this league,” he declared, emphasizing the need to evaluate Sanders thoroughly.

The crux of Smith’s argument is that the Browns are at a crossroads.

If they are serious about finding a franchise quarterback, they must commit to Sanders for the remainder of the season.

This approach not only allows Sanders to gain invaluable experience but also provides the coaching staff with critical insights into his capabilities.

However, the decision ultimately lies with head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has faced criticism for his handling of the quarterback situation.

Smith expressed concern that Stefanski seems to be taking a game-by-game approach rather than committing to a long-term plan.

“You have to use these next few games to get rid of that kind of ailment so [Sanders] can be better at it,” he advised.

The inconsistency in the coaching staff’s approach could hinder Sanders’ development.

If he is constantly looking over his shoulder, worrying about being benched after a mistake, it could stifle his growth and confidence.

Smith believes that a clear commitment from the coaching staff would help alleviate this pressure, allowing Sanders to focus on improving his game.

As the Cleveland Browns prepare to face the Tennessee Titans, the decision to stick with Shedeur Sanders as the starting quarterback could define the team’s future.

With Stephen A.Smith advocating for Sanders to remain at the helm, the pressure is on the coaching staff to make the right call.

The upcoming games will be crucial for both Sanders and the Browns as they seek to establish a sense of identity and direction.

If the team can rally around their young quarterback and provide him with the support he needs, there may still be hope for a successful season.

However, if they falter once again, the Browns may find themselves back at square one in their search for a franchise quarterback, leaving fans to wonder if they will ever find the stability they so desperately crave.

In the end, the choice is clear: commit to Shedeur Sanders and let him lead, or risk losing another opportunity to build a brighter future for the Cleveland Browns.

The clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher.