The Cleveland Browns kick off their campaign in under 90 days against the in-state foe Cincinnati Bengals, but the entire conversation around the club has been contingent on their bizarre quarterback competition.
It was evident from the second the franchise drafted Shedeur Sanders that he would generate a bulk of the club's headlines, but the fact that he's become a daily point of conversation in June at the bottom of the depth chart speaks to his power.
Shedeur is currently on the outside looking in on this four-way quarterback battle, but the Colorado product has been impressive in team drills thanks to his premier accuracy.
The expectations for where the 23-year-old fits into the squad are a point of contention, but one local analyst is irate with how the Browns are handling their rookie gunslinger.
While speaking on ESPN Cleveland 850 FM, host Tony Rizzo blasted the organization's current approach to Shedeur this off-season.
"Shedeur is the only guy that hasn't gone against the ones, is that right?" Rizzo said. Did anyone ask the coach? Of the 50 reporters out there, did anybody ask, 'Coach, why have we not seen Shedeur against the number ones?' No, of course, they haven't! I know my guy's the best quarterback, I do. I think he's better than Kenny Pickett or will be, and I do think he'll be better than Dillon Gabriel. I think that guy's the best quarterback in camp."
Unless Rizzo's opinion is based on crunching the tape when Shedeur was in Boulder, this is typical sports talk radio fodder designed to cause a stir.
The staff doesn't even think he's ready to handle the offensive install or compete with the starters yet, so how is he the best QB on the roster?
The media campaign to prop up Shedeur will only hurt his public perception in the long run. He's not ready to be under center yet. That's okay.
Until he starts lighting it up with pads on, all this discourse is disingenuous and irresponsible.
It might not be perfect, but Shedeur needs time.