Cleveland Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy embraces the stability of a confirmed starting quarterback, finally building crucial chemistry with rookie Shedeur Sanders.
Everybody likes to have stability in their life. Especially when you're an NFL wide receiver, and your job requires someone else getting the ball to you. 14 weeks into the 2025 NFL Season, Cleveland Browns top wideout Jerry Jeudy finally has some.
On Monday, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders would be the team's starter under center for the remainder of the season. It's a refreshing pivot that affords Jeudy four more weeks of building his connection with the fifth-round pick.
"It's good just to have one guy you could create that chemistry with," Jeudy said of the decision on Wednesday. "Shedeur's going to finish out the season, so it's a good time to just build and consistently learn and build together."
Chemistry is such an important part of the wide receiver-quarterback relationship. Sanders' has highlighted on numerous occasions that getting on the same page as Jeudy and understanding the nuances of his game has been one of his top priorities in his first three weeks as the Browns starting QB.
That process has come with some growing pains, though.
In Week 13, the duo was caught on video arguing over an iPad about a play where Sanders' likely missed Cleveland's top target. Both players shrugged it off as emotions of the game and said it was water under the bridge.
One week later, those difficult conversations and their hard work finally paid off.
Sanders connected with Jeudy on a 60-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter of their 31-29 loss to the Titans. The former first-round pick celebrated what was only his second visit to the end zone this season with a flip across the goal line, punctuating his excitement.
For Sanders, it was only one of the four touchdowns that defined his career day. The Colorado product completed 54.8% of his passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns through the air. His fourth score came on the ground as he helped mount a fierce, late fourth-quarter comeback from down 14.
Jeudy has seen firsthand the progress Sanders has made in real time.
"Week by week, he's consistently growing, consistently doing his thing," Jeudy said of Sanders. "So kudos to him."
These next four weeks could be pivotal for Sanders to throw his hat in the ring to be Cleveland's full-time starter next season.
Building on that chemistry with Jeudy could go a long way in helping that cause.