Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders says he’s done feeding into the drama.
Sanders is arguably the most high-profile fifth-round pick in NFL history, with every move scrutinized under a national spotlight. He recently made waves for miming his responses to a reporter’s questions in the locker room. It was a not-so-subtle clapback at former NFL coach Rex Ryan, who had criticized him on national television, saying Sanders was “embarrassing himself” by “running his mouth.”
Sanders was asked about his actions on Thursday but cut off the question.
“You just trying to start something, you feel me?” Sanders said. “We’re not on no negativity from now on, man, we’re not doing that. I’m just here to be positive and I don’t speak on anything negative. So that’s the new way. That’s what we’re going forward with. Anything negative, we’re not talking about it. We’re not speaking on it.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Focused on Supporting Dillon Gabriel
After some speculation that practice squad passer Bailey Zappe could jump him on the depth chart, Sanders was officially named the backup quarterback on Friday.
Prior to the decision, Sanders said that his focus is on supporting starter Dillon Gabriel and remaining ready in case his number is called.
“We’re going to make sure we do everything we can to make sure Dillon is ready for the game,” Sanders said. “So each and every day, even when Joe (Flacco) was the starter, everything. Prepare the right way and be ready to know that you could get out there any point in time. So, I’m overly confident within myself. I know when I first got here, I’m ready to play, but it’s up to the coaches and whatever decision they make, then I’m fine with.”
It’s been an adjustment for Sanders stepping into a backup role after being the star everywhere he’s played. Still, he says he’s embracing his role in Cleveland — at least for now.
“I’m in a great mental space overall, so I would say you tend to get a little bit more excited when you see a light at the end of the tunnel, for sure,” Sanders said. “So my job at first was to prepare the defense, and I think I did a pretty good job. Nah, but they got Myles Garrett and everybody over there, so, you know.
“But anyways, I think I did a pretty good job, and whatever my role is here, I’m thankful and I’m happy just to do that.”
Browns Praise Shedeur Sanders for Improvement
Many experts had Sanders going in the first round. But he tumbled to pick No. 144, where the Browns scooped him up. Cleveland views Sanders as a developmental quarterback, but praised the former Colorado star for the strides he has made.
“For Shedeur, we’re looking for constant improvement throughout the season, and he’s done that,” Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said. “You see the growth, and the familiarity of the offense and what we’re asking of those guys. The level of preparation it takes week-to-week, when you’re putting a new game plan together, that’s a learning curve for all rookies.”
Gabriel gets his second chance as the Browns’ starter on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cleveland is a 6.5-point road underdog for the matchup. The Browns have not won a regular-season game on the road in Pittsburgh since 2003.
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