Former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan didn’t hold back when discussing why Shedeur Sanders remains on the Cleveland Browns’ bench. Ryan’s pointed comments followed Joe Flacco’s disappointing performance in the Browns’ 34-10 loss to the Detroit Lions.
The Browns have stuck with Flacco as their starter through four games this season despite his obvious decline. At 39, Flacco’s skills have visibly deteriorated – he hasn’t been consistently effective for nearly a decade.
Cleveland’s 1-3 record tells part of the story. Flacco has completed just 61.1% of his passes, throwing for 631 yards with only two touchdowns against four interceptions.
Why haven’t the Browns given Sanders or fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel a chance?
According to Ryan, it’s about preparation – or lack thereof.
“I look at Stefanski as an outstanding coach. But why the hell isn’t he putting Sheduer Sanders [in]? We’re all waiting to see Sheduer Sanders be the guy, or Dillon Gabriel, whatever. Something’s missing. Something’s missing with this kid,” Ryan explained on Monday’s episode of ESPN’s Get Up!.
The former defensive guru didn’t stop there – he directly challenged Sanders’ work ethic and attitude.
“This kid talks and runs his mouth, ‘I can be a starting quarterback,’ with his arms crossed. Get your a– in the front row and study. If I know, the whole league knows,” Ryan continued. “Quit being an embarrassment that way. You’ve got the talent, you should be. You should be embarrassed that you’re not the quarterback now.”
Sanders, selected in the third round of this year’s draft, arrived with considerable hype after his college career at Colorado under his father, NFL legend Deion Sanders. Despite his draft position, many analysts expected him to compete for playing time given Flacco’s limitations.
Gabriel, meanwhile, was actually drafted ahead of Sanders – yet neither rookie has seen the field through four weeks.
The quarterback situation has become increasingly frustrating for Browns fans who’ve watched Flacco struggle week after week. Cleveland’s offense has looked stagnant and predictable, generating just 16.5 points per game – among the lowest in the league.
Cleveland will have another chance to evaluate their quarterback situation in Week 5 when they host the Minnesota Vikings (1-3). Interestingly, the Vikings are also being led by a struggling veteran in Carson Wentz, who’s dealing with his own performance issues.