Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders fired off a three-word message on social media after facing blowback for his recent actions.
Sanders has been the target of criticism following his mime act in the Browns’ locker room after Dillon Gabriel was named the starter. Instead of answering questions, Sanders silently mouthed his responses.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Sanders’ actions were in response to comments from former NFL head coach Rex Ryan, who said the Browns’ third-string quarterback is embarrassing himself by “running his mouth.”
Sanders’ silence came on the heels of his own critique of quarterback play across the league — comments he followed by making it clear that he’s eager for his own chance on the field.
“I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that,” Sanders said. “(There’s) obvious a lot of teams would be playing me, but that’s not in God’s plan right now. And some things happen for a reason and I’m a true believer in that. And whatever his plan for me is, I believe in it. So I don’t be stressed or feel bad that I’m in the situation I’m in right now. It’s just funny to me and I just enjoy it.”
Amid the swirling drama and the Browns making the trip to London, Sanders posted a familiar three-word message.
“Thank you GOD,” Sanders wrote on X, his first post in nearly two weeks.
Browns Don’t Plan to Promote Shedeur Sanders
The Browns made the move to Gabriel because 40-year-old Joe Flacco wasn’t cutting it. The Cleveland offense has been terrible, averaging just 14 points per game. Flacco has also accounted for eight turnovers — six interceptions and two fumbles.
It seemed like a natural move that Sanders would be bumped up to the No. 2 spot. However, the Browns are sticking with Flacco as the primary backup. Sanders will continue to serve as the emergency quarterback on game days. He’ll be inactive, only able to enter if both Flacco and Gabriel are injured.
“Just feel like Joe’s gonna stay the No. 2 right now and has done a lot to prepare and be ready to go in a pinch,” Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said.
Browns Looking for Spark From Dillon Gabriel
All is not lost for Sanders. The Browns went to Gabriel earlier than expected and the Browns still have a lot of games left to play. If Gabriel stumbles, Sanders should get a shot.
However, the Browns are confident that Gabriel can provide a spark for the offense.
“We all got to play better at a lot of positions. This is not singular just to the quarterback position. We’ve all got to do our part around him, coaches included,” Rees said. “Kevin (Stefanski) and I felt like it was an opportunity to make the change, and really looking at it as a way to spark the offense and get things going.”
Gabriel gets his first shot on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. The Browns are a 3.5-point underdog for the matchup.