Shedeur Sanders was literally speechless after the Cleveland Browns named Dillon Gabriel the starter.
The Browns made the expected move of replacing Joe Flacco with Gabriel, who will draw his first NFL start on Sunday in London against the Minnesota Vikings. Flacco will serve as the backup and Sanders will continue to be the third, emergency quarterback. Sanders will only be able to enter the game if both Gabriel and Flacco are injured.
Sanders was asked by media members about the decision on Wednesday in the locker room. Instead of answering, Sanders silently mouthed his answers and did not speak. Many were not fans of his actions.
“Has there ever been a third-string QB carrying so much baggage and drama? Must be a terrible distraction. Browns, I guess,” one fan said.
“This is so weird. Just say you’re going to keep putting in that work,” another added.
“And people wonder why he fell so far. Being upset at not getting a chance to start is valid, but acting like this is not,” a fan said.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Called Out for Recent Comments
Sanders’ actions are likely a response to recent criticism he’s faced for speaking his mind. The former Colorado star was asked about his role last week and turned some heads with his response.
“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.”
Former NFL coach Rex Ryan was among those who called out Sanders for his response.
“Something’s missing with this kid. This kid talks and he runs his mouth. Like he said, ‘I can be a starting quarterback’ with his arms crossed like this,” Ryan said. “Get your ass in the front row and study and do all that. If I know, the whole league knows. Quit being an embarrassment that way. You’ve got the talent to be the quarterback, you should be. You should be embarrassed that you’re not the quarterback now.”
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel Ready for Opportunity
The Browns drafted Gabriel in the third round and he will get his shot to prove he belongs against the Vikings. It’s been an interesting situation for Gabriel — especially with Sanders in the mix — but he feels ready for the opportunity.
“I think you look at all the work, from OTAs and minicamp to now, I think that’s all installation that you can really pride yourself on, and the reps built up,” Gabriel said. “So moments that build up, and then to get here. But like I said, it’s extreme focus on just doing my job at a high level and continue to do that for one another.”
The Browns are hoping that replacing Flacco with Gabriel can help spark an offense that has been among the worst in the league. The Browns are averaging just 14 points per game and 279.8 yards.
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