During Colorado’s Pro Day, attention was on Shedeur Sanders, the most-watched quarterback, auditioning before NFL scouts. It was neither Sanders’ throws nor footwork that really sparked social media attention; rather, it was the pre-release patting of the football that Sanders, as a habit, has developed.
A small snippet of this ball-patting act went online and was intensely debated by a New York Jets defensive back, who stated that such patting would translate to a liability on the next level.
That little moment quickly stirred up a grand debate about Sanders’ mechanics, escalating with critics suggesting that it would slow his release down and expose him to unnecessary sacks in the NFL.
The criticism generated equal concern and disfellowshipping, producing a real debate among fans and analysts about whether this was an issue or simply overanalysis.
Chris Simms Defends Shedeur Sanders’ Ball-Patting Habit
Simms came on with a huge defense of Sanders on his podcast program. Simms, a former NFL quarterback who often found himself taking bold stands in his evaluations, did not blink in calling the whole assessment unfair and without context.
He pointed out that the rhythm of the ball-tapping actions of many quarterbacks of some success in the NFL would not stop them from being elite-type players: Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers.
“It is part of his natural timing,” Simms said. “And they’re just blowing it way out of proportion.”
View this post on Instagram
According to Simms, the film shows Sanders’s processes quickly, has very good mechanics, and has a good internal clock. To Simms, the ball-patting motion was in the realm of feel and rhythm, but there was no hesitation.
Simms urged fans and scouts to worry less about quirks and more about what actually translates to success for a quarterback on the next level. He pointed to Sanders’ accuracy, poise, and football IQ—way more important to success than one ball pat before a throw.
He emphasized that Sanders’ production at Colorado speaks for itself; Sanders showed strong leadership and made tough throws regardless of pressure coming from his struggling offensive line.
“We’ve seen QBs with worse mechanics make it in the league because of what they bring mentally and emotionally to the position,” Simms explained.
To Simms, Sanders’ ability to adjust, read defenses, and throw darts in tight windows is far more important than an idiosyncrasy that can be worked on in training.
Simms’ comments serve as a reminder that not every visible flaw is a deal-breaker, especially for young quarterbacks still refining their game.
KEEP READING: Shedeur Sanders Losing No. 2 Spot? Dan Orlovsky Backs Travis Hunter and Kirk Cousins for Browns
Coaches will, of course, work with Sanders on all of these tiny, niggling details, but overall, the projection looks good.
If he continues to develop into a decision-maker and leader, this so-called ‘issue’ will not have him waiting too long into the first round on draft night. This is much more than, ‘He needs a few more pats on the back, and we’re good’; rather, this is, ‘Shedeur Sanders has all the tools.’
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
