Former NFL quarterback David Carr offered high praise for Cleveland Browns signal-caller Shedeur Sanders following the team’s preseason opener, highlighting clear improvement in the young player’s pocket presence.
“He looks so much better to me then he did last year in the pocket,” Carr said on NFL Network while analyzing Sanders’ performance against the Chicago Bears.
The comments came after Sanders completed six of 11 passes for 79 yards with one interception in limited action during Cleveland’s 34-10 loss Saturday at Soldier Field. The second-year quarterback entered in the third quarter after Deshaun Watson handled the first half.
Carr, working as an analyst, focused on the process behind Sanders’ decisions rather than the final numbers alone. He noted physical limitations under pressure but stressed the progress visible from one season to the next.
“I just love the fact that he’s climbing in the pocket. That’s brilliant. That’s so good for a young guy,” Carr said. “Let’s have some patience with this kid. … I just watch him from this year to last year, it’s night and day to me. He looks really good in the pocket. Looks really comfortable.”
Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, is locked in a competition with Watson for the Browns’ starting job under first-year head coach Todd Monken. Watson finished 11 of 15 for 126 yards in the opening half but lost a fumble. Sanders managed early success with completions of 24 and 35 yards before the interception early in the fourth quarter ended his day.
The Browns managed just 10 points overall, with their offense struggling to sustain drives once the backups entered. Sanders faced mostly reserve defenders yet still showed the poise Carr admired, avoiding sacks entirely while scrambling twice for 3 yards.
Carr, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft, has watched Sanders closely since the quarterback’s rookie campaign. In 2025, Sanders started seven games and threw for roughly 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Critics pointed to his tendency to drift backward under pressure and hold the ball too long.
Those habits appeared less pronounced Saturday. On one third-and-13, Sanders stepped up cleanly and delivered a precise deep ball while under duress. Carr repeatedly returned to that growth as the key takeaway.
“I’m a big fan of Shedeur. I hope he gets a chance to start this year. If he doesn’t, continue to work, kid, because it’s a long process. The sky’s the limit for him,” Carr added.
Monken has structured the preseason to give both quarterbacks equal evaluation opportunities. Watson started the opener, and Sanders is scheduled to open the next game against the Buffalo Bills. Joint practices will provide additional live reps before a final decision.
Sanders finished with a passer rating of 39.6 and no touchdowns. His first drive moved the ball effectively into Bears territory before stalling. Later series produced fewer yards as accuracy dipped and one pass was batted at the line.
Yet the former Colorado star maintained he made the correct read on the interception, which sailed over the intended receiver. Carr’s assessment aligned with the idea that decision-making and footwork have advanced even if execution remains imperfect.
The Browns entered the preseason with high expectations for an offense that features playmakers at receiver and a rebuilt offensive line. How quickly Sanders or Watson can reduce turnovers will largely determine who leads that unit into the regular season.
Carr’s endorsement carries weight because of his own experience as a highly drafted quarterback who faced early struggles. He urged patience while acknowledging the physical tools and work ethic Sanders continues to display.
With two more preseason games remaining, the competition remains open. Sanders will get the first opportunity next week to build on the pocket improvements Carr celebrated.
Whether that translates into the starting role depends on cleaner execution and consistent production in the weeks ahead.
