The Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition just got a whole lot spicier, and it's not just about what's happening on the field. A local reporter has lobbed a serious accusation at Shedeur Sanders, claiming the young signal-caller is using underhanded tactics to sway public opinion in his favor.
Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan didn't hold back on Saturday, suggesting that Sanders has a team of paid online defenders—what he called 'keyboard warriors'—fighting his battles on social media. The comment came just before the Browns' second preseason game, adding fuel to an already intense QB battle.
Sanders, the 144th pick in last year's draft, had a rocky rookie season with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He's been locked in a tight training camp competition with Deshaun Watson, and the pressure is mounting. After a shaky preseason opener where he threw for just 79 yards and an interception against the Bears, Sanders needed a strong showing this week to keep his Week 1 hopes alive.
Ruiter's accusation, posted on X, was blunt: “No watershed day. Just one QB got his on the payroll keyboard warrior wannabe clout chasers fighting a battle that he should win on the field. Instead of recognizing shortcomings and the need for improvement, easier to attack folks who have nothing to do with Browns decisions.” The implication? Sanders is relying on online hype rather than his own performance to win the starting job.
The backlash was immediate. Browns fans flooded Ruiter's mentions, defending Sanders and criticizing the reporter for what they saw as an unfair attack. “Why do people think that you can say whatever you want to say and then get sassy when people start talking back? It’s not the old days anymore. Everyone has a platform to talk. Stop playing the victim when you started it. Stop trying to use SS2 as a weapon,” one fan wrote. Another added, “It’s always people like this that will say whatever and think they can talk to people however they want then cry when they get that same energy in return.” A third fan questioned Ruiter's professionalism: “Fans got you so mad that you attack the QB. What type of journalist are you?”
Ruiter's comments come amid a growing chorus of Cleveland media voices who believe Watson should be the starter, which has only intensified the scrutiny on Sanders. The debate has even spilled into practice plans that seem to favor Watson, and some analysts see Monken's latest moves as a signal Watson is the choice. Sanders hasn't responded directly to Ruiter's jab, but he let his play do the talking on Saturday, opening the game with a first-quarter touchdown pass to Luke Floriea.
For now, the quarterback saga in Cleveland is as much about social media as it is about snaps. And with the regular season approaching, the noise isn't likely to die down anytime soon.
