Both fans and media members alike have come to the defense of Sanders following the contest, claiming that head coach Kevin Stefanski's handling of the quarterback competition was a detriment to the former Colorado signal-caller. Stefanski was asked about this narrative on Sunday by Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot:

Sanders, a fifth-round pick, suffered an oblique strain during practice prior to the Browns' second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles and didn't have an opportunity to carry over momentum seized against the Panthers in the preseason opener.