Why Shedeur Sanders Will Bounce Back From Late-Season Struggles

Despite losing another close game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders displayed enough good to give the Cleveland Browns hope moving forward. The former Colorado Buffaloes star continues to develop week by week.

Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) is introduced prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders' fifth career start on Sunday was another mixed bag of strong throws and untimely mistakes.

Highlighted by a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Harold Fannin Jr. on the Browns' opening drive, Sanders completed a season-high 69 percent (20-of-29) of his throws against the Buffalo Bills, but two interceptions and a couple of late sacks ultimately disabled Cleveland's upset attempt. The 23-20 loss dropped Sanders to 1-4 as an NFL starting quarterback.

Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) is pressured by Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau (50) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Still, the former Colorado Buffaloes star led a spirited offense that was hindered by a first-half injury to rookie running back Quinshon Judkins. Cleveland out-gained Buffalo in total yards (294-259), with Sanders throwing for 157 and rushing for a season-high 49.

Sanders' season-high completion percentage and his improved ability to run for yards when things break down should have the Browns feeling optimistic about the rookie's future. The fifth-round draft pick is still clearly adjusting to the NFL, but he has shown enough glimpses to earn additional opportunities.

Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

"It's really just building off last week. It's building off getting to the check-downs," Sanders said after the loss, per the Browns. "When you see it, pull it, take it, and playing in rhythm. All those different things, I learn and prove to myself (that) I can do that. That's an aspect of my game that I have to be more consistent with, but I can see that."

Now sitting 3-12, Sanders' Browns have two regular season games remaining against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals. Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski announced earlier this month that Sanders will close the year as his starting quarterback.

Kevin Stefanski Impressed By Shedeur Sanders' Fight

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) talks with coach Kevin Stefanski during a game against the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 7, 2025, in Cleveland. | Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Stefanski was particularly impressed by Sanders ability to continue battling on Sunday despite a few setbacks.

"He battled, like he does," Stefanski said. "I thought he made some unbelievable plays with his feet today, which I thought going into the game that may be the case. He'll fight through injuries. A little finger injury isn't going to keep him out of it. Always room to grow for a young player, but really proud of how he fought.

Shedeur to Fannin and the Browns strike first!

BUFvsCLE on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/xn84LWRG5o

— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2025

On the season, Sanders has now thrown for 1,103 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions.

"I'm thankful that I was able to prove to myself that I'm able to play on time, able to step up in the pocket, I'm able to do that," Sanders said. "You got to speak life into yourself because if you look external, it's not gonna happen."

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Shedeur Sanders' Colorado Career

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) warms up before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Sanders, the youngest son of Colorado coach Deion Sanders, spent his final two college seasons in Boulder before declaring for the NFL Draft. With the Buffs, Shedeur Sanders broke over 100 school records and helped the program reach the 2024 Alamo Bowl.

"Coach Prime" was again in Cleveland on Sunday to watch his son's fifth NFL start.

the father-son moment we always love to see 🧡 pic.twitter.com/ih592PXp9l

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 21, 2025

The penultimate game of Sanders' rookie season will come against the Steelers on Sunday, Dec. 28 (11 a.m. MT).