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An anonymous Pac-12 assistant coach had an interesting take on Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ 2023 campaign.
Sanders, who was once rising up the list of Heisman candidates, has completed 74.8 percent of his passes this season with 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
They are impressive numbers by any standard unless you are the anonymous coach.
According to The Athletic, Sanders has changed his playing style as the season progresses.
“I think they want to rack up some stats for Shedeur. He really holds on to the ball a long time. I think he takes sacks because he doesn’t want to affect his completion percentage,” the assistant said.
“He’s playing a little different than he did earlier in the season. Before he showed that, he was willing to step up and escape through the B-gaps. Now, he’s retreating more.”
Report: According to a Pac-12 assistant coach, Colorado's Shedeur Sanders is taking sacks so his completion % doesn't take a hit, per @chriskamrani, @ThompsonScribe and @davidubben
"He really holds on to the ball for a long time."
Full quote: "I think they want to rack up some… https://t.co/fF7WeFcaSw pic.twitter.com/EdfIM3n2Dl
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 6, 2023
It’s an absurd statement when you consider Sanders is playing exactly like he did during his time at Jackson State.
While at Jackson State, Sanders set a school record for completion percentage at 65.9 percent, while throwing 30 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions.
Simply put, he’s a guy who knows how to take care of the ball.
As for the increase in sacks, that likely has to do with the fact that Colorado has played Oregon and USC in the past two weeks — a serious improvement in competition.
Regardless, we will get to see Sanders and the Buffs back in action on Saturday when they try to get back into the win column against Arizona State at 6:30 p.m. ET.
