It is no secret that the Tennessee Titans are searching for a quarterback who can provide stability for years to come. They have the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and from the look of things, seem highly intrigued by selecting Colorado Buffaloes QB Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders rounded up his final college season by leading the Big 12 in passing yards and touchdowns, which earned him Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors. Despite differing public opinion on Sanders’ competence as a quarterback, Titans head coach Brian Callahan has a high view of the QB.
Fans React to Titans HC Brian Callahan’s Comparison of Shedeur Sanders and NFL QB
Last week, QB Shedeur Sanders met with members of the Titans’ staff, including Callahan and GM Mike Borgonzi. The meeting represents a crucial step in the team’s hunt for a new quarterback, with the Colorado signal-caller being one of the more promising candidates for the role.
Following the meeting, Callahan, while speaking to ESPN, compared Sanders to Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow, claiming the two share similar traits.
“People had questions about Burrow’s arm strength in general coming out,” Callahan told ESPN. “One of the things that makes Joe so unique, and I think you can probably put Shedeur in the same conversation … They anticipate when they throw it. They have the timing and accuracy on top of it. That makes up for the arm strength,” he continued.
Football fans on social media were not too pleased with this comparison.
“Absolutely nothing alike lol,” a fan posted.
Absolutely nothing alike lol
— NC Conservative (@c0peNseethe) February 1, 2025
“Only similarities is both of their fathers were college coaches,” another fan commented.
Only similarities is both of their fathers were college coaches
— Taylor (@WadettaylorWade) February 1, 2025
One fan agreed with Callahan’s statement, saying, “Joe Burrow is his most accurate play comparison. Elite Accuracy, not a strong arm, not super athletic, but has the mental side of the game down packed.”
Joe Burrow is his most accurate play comparison. Elite Accuracy, not a strong arm, not super athletic, but has the mental side of the game down packed.
— Gritty Tigs (@BrianSa14662777) February 1, 2025
Burrow is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, and Sanders is a talented yet controversial player, so the comparison rubbed a number of fans the wrong way.
However, before Burrow became the powerhouse we know him to be today, he was an underrated quarterback who wasn’t expected to amount to much. Despite the odds, Burrow became one of the top-performing quarterbacks in the NFL. So, it might just be too early to write off Sanders.
Callahan Shares Traits He Looks for When Recruiting Quarterbacks
Callahan and GM Mike Borgonzi both recruited iconic quarterbacks in the past. During his time as the general manager of the Cincinnati Bengals, Callahan drafted Joe Burrow, and Borgonzi, while serving as the director of player personnel for the Kansas City Chiefs, was a key factor in trading up in the draft for Patrick Mahomes.
While speaking to ESPN, Callahan shared the qualities he looks out for when scouting for a quarterback, which he learned from QB coach Greg Knapp.
“Knapp always said these three things: decision-making, timing, and accuracy,” Callahan said. “Those three things are always going to be the first things you look for. If you look for those things, you’re going to see a lot of what good quarterbacking looks like.”
KEEP READING: Ryan Leaf Crowns Shedeur Sanders as a Franchise QB
Titans GM Mike Borgonzi, while speaking with ESPN, emphasized his trust in Callahan’s instinct for quarterbacks.
“Callahan’s very smart and detailed,” Borgonzi said. “He’s been around some pretty good ones — Peyton Manning, Joe Burrow, and Matthew Stafford. I think that helps being around players like that — knowing what to look for in terms of just footwork, dropping the eyes downfield, etcetera.”
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