Shedeur Sanders provides blunt response to criticism from Rex Ryan

In late September, former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan called out Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders for claiming he’s better than some starting NFL quarterbacks. Sanders made headlines when he responded to Ryan’s comments by pantomiming his answers while talking to the press.

After Ryan aired out his criticisms, the Browns traded quarterback Joe Flacco and named Dillon Gabriel their new starting QB. In turn, Sanders moved up to QB2 on Cleveland’s roster. On Thursday, Sanders wasn’t pantomiming while responding to Ryan’s comments.

“He’s just trying to start something,” Sanders said. “We not on no negativity from now on. We not doing that. I’m just here to be positive, and I don’t speak on anything negative. That’s the new way, that’s what we going forward with. Anything negative, we not talking about it, we not speaking on it.”

Sanders had a strong debut in the NFL preseason, but is yet to see any action in the regular season. Rex Ryan seemed to suggest Sanders could be the starter for the Browns if he wasn’t so outspoken.

“We’re all waiting to see this, Shedeur Sanders be the guy, or Gabriel or whatever,” Ryan said. “Something’s missing with this kid. This kid talks — he runs his mouth like — ‘I could be a starting quarterback,’ with his arms crossed like this. 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.”

Dillon Gabriel made his first start for the Browns this past weekend. Cleveland ultimately fell 21-17 to the Minnesota Vikings, but Gabriel had a promising showing, completing 19-of-his-33 pass attempts for 190 yards and two touchdowns, compared to zero interceptions.

With Gabriel’s performance, Shedeur Sanders may have to continue to wait for his opportunity to shine. Alas, the 23-year-old QB appears to be OK with his current role.

“I’m in a great mental space overall,” Sanders said. “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. … Whatever my role is here, I’m thankful. I’m happy just to do that.”

On Sunday, the Browns will look to pick up their second win of the season as they square off against the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m. ET. The game will air live on CBS.