All eyes are on Shedeur Sanders this Sunday as the Cleveland Browns take on the New Orleans Saints, but not everyone is cheering for the backup quarterback. Sanders, who is filling in for the injured Deshaun Watson, has been making headlines for more than just his on-field performance.
The second-year signal-caller from Colorado shared a hype video on Instagram Saturday morning with the caption, "Thank you GOD." While his supporters are buzzing with excitement, his critics are questioning the timing and necessity of such a post.
"Totally normal for backup QBs to have hype videos at the ready," one fan sarcastically commented. Another added, "Bro's got a Hall of Fame marketing team and a practice squad resume." The backlash didn't stop there, with one user writing, "One would think this hype video would have had him starting this and season, but…hey…here we are with him playing due to the starter getting a concussion."
Sanders' rookie season stats—56.6% completion rate, 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions—have already drawn scrutiny. But Browns head coach Todd Monken is confident in his young quarterback's abilities. "I'm fired up to see him play, who wouldn't be?" Monken said. "It's the expectation of the position. This is what he has wanted. He wants to be a starting quarterback in the NFL let's go, let's let it rip. Let's see what we got."
Sanders himself has been cryptic in his media appearances. When asked about the Saints' defense, he said, "Yeah, I've seen a lot. When I smile, just know that means something. I'm maturing. I'm maturing. Like, I could have given a decent answer, but now I'm just going to smile whenever it's just, like, some questions."
His comments didn't sit well with Saints defensive end Carl Granderson, who fired back after practice. "They've been chirping a little bit. We see what the quarterback said," Granderson told reporters. "We're going to come in hot and ready to play. It's going to be a good game for sure. We're going to come out with the W."
The Saints' defensive line is known for its aggressive play, and they'll be looking to make a statement against the young quarterback. Meanwhile, Sanders' hype video has also sparked comparisons to other rookies, with some pointing out differences in how quarterbacks handle pressure.
As the Browns prepare for the 1 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS, the question remains: will Sanders let his play do the talking, or will the hype video come back to haunt him? One thing is certain—this game just got a whole lot more interesting.
