Mike Tomlin Draws a Hard Line on Shedeur Sanders Ahead of AFC North Clash
Shedeur Sanders was mentioned by Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin as he stepped to the podium earlier this week. Tomlin is never interested in storylines, narratives, or the “what ifs” that fuel cable sports television. He is interested in winning a football game.
This week, the narrative entering the AFC North showdown between the Steelers and the Cleveland Browns focused heavily on rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. But when asked to evaluate the development of the Browns’ signal-caller, Tomlin offered a response that was as cold as a December morning.
Mike Tomlin dismisses Shedeur Sanders’ evaluation talk
For weeks, the media has dissected Shedeur Sanders and his rollercoaster rookie season. Dropping to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft only to be thrust into the starting lineup for Cleveland has been a trial by fire. Naturally, reporters wanted to know how the longest-tenured coach in the league viewed the young quarterback’s growth.
“It does not matter,” Tomlin said, shutting down the inquiry with characteristic bluntness. “He is not a Pittsburgh Steeler. He plays for the Cleveland Browns. I’ll let the Browns talk about his evaluations… I haven’t looked at it through that lens.”
“I’m looking at it through the lens of somebody that we need to compete against this weekend,” Tomlin continued. “His growth and development are not my charge. Preparing a plan to minimize what he and they do is my charge.”
Identifying the intangible qualities in Shedeur Sanders
However, to label Tomlin’s view of the rookie as entirely dismissive would be inaccurate. While he refuses to participate in the “development” narrative, Tomlin is a film junkie. He respects the game, and he respects traits that transfer from Saturday afternoons to Sunday contests.
In a separate media availability leading up to the matchup, Tomlin provided a glimpse into what he actually sees when he turns on the tape. Stripping away the jersey colors and the draft drama, Tomlin acknowledged that Shedeur Sanders possesses the grit required to play in the AFC North.
“The things that stood out were evident in his video,” Tomlin admitted regarding his pre-draft evaluation. “There’s a toughness there that doesn’t get talked about enough. There’s a competitive spirit there that doesn’t get talked about enough.”
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The draft decision that separated Pittsburgh and Shedeur Sanders
The tension underlying this matchup stems from the 2025 NFL Draft. There was a palpable belief among pundits that Pittsburgh, holding the 21st overall pick, might take a swing on the Colorado star. The Steelers needed a future at the position, and the Sanders family flair seemed like a stark, intriguing contrast to the Steelers’ blue-collar brand.
Instead, Pittsburgh stayed true to its DNA. They prioritized the trenches, selecting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the first round. Shedeur Sanders slid, eventually landing in Cleveland in the fifth round.
What Shedeur Sanders faces against the Steelers’ defense
The reality for Shedeur Sanders is that press conference quotes won’t matter once the ball is snapped. His rookie campaign has been a mixed bag of flashes and frustration. Through five starts, he has thrown for 1,103 yards and six touchdowns, but has also turned the ball over eight times through the air.
He has shown athleticism, rushing for 123 yards and a score, proving he can extend plays when the pocket collapses. But extending plays against the Steelers is a dangerous game. Tomlin’s defense feeds on rookie mistakes. They bait young quarterbacks into thinking a window is open, only to slam it shut and force a turnover.
