Colin Cowherd Blasts Browns’ QB Chaos — Says We Don’t Need to See Joe Flacco as Shedeur Sanders Secures QB1 in Preseason Opener vs. Panthers

The Cleveland Browns are heading into the 2025 NFL season with a storm of questions swirling around their quarterback room, and not everyone in the sports media is impressed with how the franchise is handling it. Popular sports commentator Colin Cowherd didn’t hold back during his latest segment, bluntly declaring that “we don’t need to see Joe Flacco” while breaking down the Browns’ quarterback situation ahead of their preseason opener.

At the center of the conversation is rookie sensation Shedeur Sanders, who has reportedly locked down the QB1 spot for Cleveland’s first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. The announcement has generated excitement among Browns fans eager to see what the highly touted prospect can do, but it has also sparked debate about whether the organization is truly ready to commit to him as their long-term starter.

On his national show, Cowherd took aim at the Browns’ decision-making, making it clear that bringing back 40-year-old veteran Joe Flacco into the spotlight doesn’t make sense for a team that should be building for the future.

“Look, I respect Joe Flacco. He’s a Super Bowl MVP, he’s had a long and solid career,” Cowherd said. “But at this point, Cleveland doesn’t need to be in the business of nostalgia or comfort. You’ve got Shedeur Sanders—this is the moment to find out if he’s your guy. We don’t need to watch Joe Flacco check down passes in a preseason game. That’s not helping anyone.”

Cowherd’s comments resonated with fans who remember Flacco’s brief, surprise run with the Browns last season, when he stepped in late and provided a much-needed spark. While that stretch was memorable, it was also short-lived—and for Cowherd, living in the past is not a winning strategy in the NFL.

The decision to start Sanders in the preseason opener has Browns fans buzzing with anticipation. Drafted with high expectations, the former Colorado Buffaloes star brings both talent and star power to a franchise that has been starving for quarterback stability for decades.

Sanders’ college career under his father, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, showcased a unique blend of arm strength, poise, and leadership. While some scouts raised concerns about how his style would translate to the NFL, the Browns appear ready to give him a serious opportunity to prove himself.

Reports from training camp have been promising. Sanders has reportedly been commanding the huddle with confidence, displaying quick decision-making, and building chemistry with Cleveland’s offensive weapons. The preseason opener against the Panthers will mark his first real test against NFL-level competition, and fans are eager to see how he performs under pressure.

For years, the Cleveland Browns have struggled with quarterback turnover, failed experiments, and inconsistent performances. From high draft picks that didn’t pan out to midseason veteran stopgaps, the team’s inability to find a long-term answer at the position has been a recurring storyline.

The current roster includes Sanders, Flacco, and other depth options, but the real question is whether the Browns will fully commit to building around their rookie or lean on the experience of a veteran if things get rocky.

While Cowherd’s stance is clear, not everyone in Cleveland’s front office may share his sense of urgency to hand the reins to Sanders. Flacco’s veteran presence brings a sense of stability, particularly in a locker room that knows the toll of an injury-riddled season.

Last year, Flacco shocked the NFL world by stepping in for Cleveland late in the year, leading them to several key wins and earning praise for his leadership and composure. Some within the organization might view him as the perfect insurance policy should Sanders struggle or face early career setbacks.

However, Cowherd argues that leaning too heavily on that safety net could stunt Sanders’ development. In his eyes, the Browns must accept that growth comes with growing pains.

When the Browns take the field against the Panthers in their preseason debut, the focus will be squarely on Sanders. Even though it’s just an exhibition game, his performance will be dissected by fans, media, and the coaching staff.

The Panthers, led by a revamped defensive unit, won’t make life easy for the rookie. Still, this is exactly the kind of challenge that can reveal whether a young quarterback has the composure and skill to adapt quickly.

While preseason results often don’t reflect regular-season success, a strong showing could solidify Sanders’ hold on the QB1 role heading into the season. Conversely, a shaky outing could give the Browns a reason—at least in their minds—to turn back to Flacco sooner than later.

The Browns’ fan base, one of the most loyal and long-suffering in the NFL, is divided on the issue. Many are thrilled to see Sanders getting the nod, seeing it as a bold move toward the future. Others, however, worry that throwing him into the fire too soon could derail his confidence.

Social media has been buzzing since the announcement, with some fans echoing Cowherd’s take that Flacco should be phased out of the conversation entirely. Others argue that having him in the wings provides valuable security in a season where expectations are high.

Regardless of how the preseason opener plays out, one thing is certain: the Browns can’t afford another year of uncertainty at quarterback. Whether Sanders is the answer remains to be seen, but Cowherd’s point is clear—Cleveland must make a decision and stick with it.

The Browns’ next chapter begins against the Panthers, and the league will be watching closely. Will Sanders rise to the occasion and seize his opportunity, or will Cleveland once again find itself caught in the revolving door of quarterback drama?