The Opening Drive 12/29: Victory Monday Edition - Where Things Go From Here?

The Browns win on Sunday changes the outlook of the offseason.

Dec 29, 2025

The Browns won their fourth game of the season on Sunday, 13-6 over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Pittsburgh loss forces the Steelers into a win-or-go-home meeting with Baltimore in Week 18.

I will never criticize a team for winning a game. Give credit to the Browns for showing up and playing hard in a meaningless week 17 game. Kevin Stefanski and his staff still have this team playing hard. The defense had a terrific game plan and showed, once again, how good they can be.

Now, let’s talk about what this really means. The Browns fell from the second overall pick in the draft to the sixth. It’s a brutal outcome for those hoping to draft a franchise quarterback at the top of the draft in 2026.

Shedeur Sanders

For those of you wanting to see Shedeur Sanders as the starter in 2026, this is precisely what was needed. Sanders started the game very well, looking very much in rhythm and moving the ball down the field through the air. However, it didn’t last, as he finished 17-23 for 186 yards, a touchdown, two interceptions, and a 75.6 rating. The loss of Harold Fannin Jr. for the rest of the game after his touchdown catch hurt Sanders. Fannin has become his most reliable and consistent target. The Browns struggled to move the ball in the second half, and Sanders threw an all-time bad interception as he lofted a high floater of sorts across the field to Jerry Jeudy, where it was easily intercepted. He had a very similar interception last week, throwing late and over the middle. He is a rookie and will learn from these mistakes, as he has shown flashes of good football. The problem is that while Sanders is showing growth, he has not been good enough to command the starting job in 2026, but that may be the path of least resistance after Sunday’s win. While it doesn’t seem like it now, Sunday’s win is the biggest in his early career as it may end up being what gets him another season as QB1 in Cleveland.

As always the film breakdown will tell us the most about this performance alone.

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Myles Garrett

Myles Garrett was incredibly close to getting the single-season sack record multiple times on Sunday, but Rodgers was determined not to let him get the record. At times, it seemed he was more concerned with avoiding the sack than he was with making the best play for his team. He has one week left to set the record. The Browns will travel to Cincinnati for their final game, though it’s unclear yet who will be playing quarterback. If it ends up being Joe Flacco, maybe he gives him the Strahan treatment? We can hope!

Tyson Campbell

Tyson Campbell played a terrific game on Sunday, making play after play in coverage. Combining his stand-out performance with Denzel Ward’s stand at the end of the game and the Browns’ corner combo looks great heading into 2026. The Campbell trade has worked out brilliantly for the Browns so far.

Kevin Stefanski

Just a week ago, it was reported that the Browns have not made any decisions on Kevin Stefanski’s job standing after the season. While it seems the Browns need a change at head coach, it’s unclear what they’re learning from back-channel conversations with agents about who has an appetite for the Browns job. If this win over the Steelers does indeed send the Browns on a path into 2026 with Sanders as QB1, then I have to believe it greatly helps Stefanski’s chances of keeping his position. Selling a top-two pick and the opportunity to select your quarterback of the future had to be a significant selling point for potential coaching candidates.

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