Shedeur Sanders stirred some controversy this week with his latest comments, suggesting that he’s ready to play now and could outperform some of the NFL’s current starting quarterbacks.
In an interview with ESPN Cleveland, Sanders said he believes he has the ability to step in and contribute immediately.
“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. “It’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.”
While Sanders isn’t directly addressing the Browns’ quarterback situation directly, but you can’t ignore how bad Joe Flacco has been playing. The veteran ranks last in the NFL in passer rating (65.9), with just two touchdowns against four interceptions.
Cleveland is coming off a shocking upset with over the Packers, 13-10, but that was solely because how amazing their defense has been this season. One can imagine how much better they can be if they get just average quarterback play on offense.
Sanders, a fifth-round pick by Cleveland, has spent most of the early season working with the scout team while sitting behind Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. Though he remains on the active roster, he serves as the team’s emergency third quarterback and is typically inactive on game days. Still, Sanders has emphasized that he’s preparing every week as if his number could be called at any moment.
“I don’t think playing or not playing is in my head,” Sanders said. “Based on the situation, if things happen and it turns out that I play, then I’ll be out there and I’ll be ready to play. I’m ready to play right now.”
Sanders also admitted he isn’t entirely “comfortable” with his current position.
“I’m not comfortable being a scout team player, honestly. That’s my situation, so I’m going to make the best of it and enjoy my moments,” Sanders said. “This isn’t my end goal. I’m just enjoying myself, learning and doing everything I have to do. Just ready for my opportunity.”
How much longer will the Browns stick with Flacco? And if they make a switch, it’ll be obviously to Dillon Gabriel before Shedeur Sanders.
