Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton is already casting a skeptical eye toward the Atlanta Falcons' new era under head coach Kevin Stefanski, despite Stefanski not having coached a single snap in Atlanta yet. On his popular "4th&1 Show," Newton pointedly criticized Stefanski's recent handling of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders during his tenure with the Cleveland Browns, framing it as a cautionary tale for what might unfold with Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Newton's Direct Critique of Stefanski's Cleveland Stint
Newton did not mince words in his analysis. He directly linked Stefanski's time in Cleveland to the current situation in Atlanta, emphasizing the cultural aspects of the conversation. "Kevin Stefanski, we've seen what you did with the good brother, Shedeur, a member of the culture," Newton stated on his show. "And you landed in the most 'culturest' of culture. It ain't no blacker division than the NFC South, you got Atlanta, Carolina, and New Orleans. That's the blackest division in all of football."
Connecting Penix to Sanders: A Warning for Atlanta
Newton continued his critique by drawing parallels between Michael Penix Jr. and Shedeur Sanders, almost as if tracing a direct line from Cleveland's struggles to Atlanta's potential pitfalls. "The NFC South is the HBCU of NFL football ... You got Michael Penix Jr., who is almost a second coming of Shedeur. The left-handed version. We all seen what Stefanski did with Shedeur. And it was unacceptable."
That final word—"unacceptable"—carries significant weight. It is not a mild critique like "he struggled" or "he had growing pains." Instead, Newton is asserting that Stefanski fundamentally failed in the most crucial aspect of coaching a rookie quarterback: fostering development and growth.
Background on Shedeur Sanders' Time in Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns selected Shedeur Sanders with the No. 144 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Initially, he served as the third-string quarterback behind veteran Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. As Cleveland's season deteriorated, Sanders eventually ascended to the starting role. He started the final seven games of the 2025 regular season, with the Browns finishing with a 5-12 record. Sanders was credited with three of those wins as the starter.
Newton's perspective is straightforward: if Stefanski could not facilitate consistent progress for a rookie quarterback in Cleveland, why should Atlanta assume he will succeed now, with another young quarterback and another team reset?
Stefanski's Arrival in Atlanta and the Backlash
Atlanta hired Kevin Stefanski as its new head coach on a Saturday, less than two weeks after the Cleveland Browns dismissed him. Stefanski brings notable credentials to the Falcons, including two playoff appearances with the Browns in the 2020 and 2023 seasons, two AP Coach of the Year awards, and a reputation as a respected offensive strategist.
However, he also arrives amid public controversy. A significant portion of the criticism revolves around a narrative that Stefanski has difficulties with Black quarterbacks. This narrative gained traction in Cleveland when critics accused him of undermining Sanders by prioritizing Dillon Gabriel and not providing Sanders with first-team repetitions early in his tenure as the third-string quarterback. This discussion has now followed Stefanski to Atlanta, positioning Michael Penix Jr. at the center of the debate.
Newton's Broader Concerns for Atlanta
Newton's apprehension extends beyond Stefanski's past actions in Cleveland; it encompasses what many anticipate he might do in Atlanta. There is a prevailing worry that Stefanski will favor veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins over developing Michael Penix Jr., mirroring the criticism that Cleveland focused on experienced players rather than investing in the future. Newton referenced last offseason as an example, noting that Stefanski opted for the 40-year-old Joe Flacco instead of supporting younger talents like Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
This context explains why Newton's comparison between Penix and Sanders resonated so powerfully. It was not a random observation but a deliberate warning: Atlanta must avoid letting the situation become problematic.
Stefanski's Overall Record and Atlanta's Expectations
During his tenure with the Cleveland Browns, Kevin Stefanski compiled a regular-season record of 45-56 and a postseason record of 1-2. While his résumé includes notable achievements, the Atlanta Falcons did not hire him for sentimental reasons. The organization brought him on board to break a playoff drought that has persisted since 2017, placing immense pressure on his ability to develop young talent like Michael Penix Jr. and navigate the cultural dynamics of the NFC South.
As the Falcons embark on this new chapter, Cam Newton's pointed critique serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead, emphasizing that Stefanski's past handling of rookie quarterbacks will be closely scrutinized in Atlanta.
