‘Absolutely Miserable,’ ‘You Can See the Pain’ — NFL Fans Take Notice of Shedeur Sanders’ Sideline Reaction During Steelers vs. Browns Showdown
· Yahoo Sports
Shedeur Sanders knows what it feels like to wait for an opportunity. The Cleveland Browns QB made his NFL debut only in Week 11 of the 2025 season, but has since settled into a backup role this season.
Head coach Todd Monken has entrusted Deshaun Watson with the starting QB job, and the $230 million QB has rewarded that faith with Cleveland’s first 3-1 start since the 2021 season, the latest being a 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Visit biznow.biz for more information.
With Watson leading the way, Sanders’ reaction from the sideline during Thursday Night Football quickly caught the attention of fans online.
Shedeur Sanders’ Sideline Reaction vs. Steelers Grabs Eyeballs
As Shedeur Sanders watched Deshaun Watson’s turnaround, the Browns’ backup QB became a favorite of the cameras. Visuals of Sanders made the rounds on social media, with NFL fans offering a mix of sympathy, frustration, and reality checks.
“Shedeur wishes he could take over and be the Browns QB1. You can see the pain on his face,” Dov Kleiman tweeted.
Another fan account on X shared its desire to see Sanders get an opportunity elsewhere. “Wishing Shedeur could play. I can guarantee that opportunity could be elsewhere.”
However, one NFL fan offered a reality check, pointing out that few teams other than the Browns had an eye on Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft.
SET YOUR LINEUPS:PFN’s Free Fantasy Start/Sit Optimizer
“Unless there’s an expansion team, he will be a Brown until the wheels fall off,” the fan wrote, while also expressing disappointment with Sanders’ performance last season.
One fan account empathized with the Browns backup, writing, “That man is absolutely miserable on the sideline right now.”
Meanwhile, another fan believes Sanders’ opportunity will eventually come at the right time.
One person, however, wants the Browns to trade Sanders so he can get more playing time. “Trade Sanders to a team that will actually let this legend play,” the fan tweeted.
PREDICT THE NFL SEASON:PFN’s Free NFL Playoff Predictor
As frustrating as Sanders’ situation may be, Browns fans have little reason to complain about their results. Watson has now led Cleveland to three straight wins, marking a remarkable turnaround from the boos he received during the Browns’ preseason game.
Watson completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in Cleveland’s thrilling 27-24 win over the Steelers on Thursday. He also rushed for 22 yards on seven carries, including a game-long 21-yard run, although he fumbled twice.
The Browns QB currently ranks 24th in PFN’s Quarterback Impact Rankings with a 72.4 grade, though he finished Week 4 with an Impact Score of 82.5 (Rodgers, meanwhile, had a Week 4 Impact Score of 72.1).
The Browns’ 3-1 start gives Monken little reason to change his winning formula. For Sanders, that means the wait continues.
The Browns will next face the New York Jets on October 11, giving the former Colorado QB another opportunity to watch from the sideline, learn from Watson, and wait for the moment when his chance finally arrives.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.