This time, Shedur Sanders replied to Rex Ryan using his own words.
Sanders verbally addressed Ryan’s remarks from last week’s ESPN “Get Up,” moving away from his earlier silence, where he avoided discussing anything “negative.”
“He’s just trying to stir things up,” Sanders told reporters on Friday. “We’re not focusing on negativity. That’s not what we’re here for. I want to be positive and avoid any negative talk.”
“That’s the new approach, and it’s what we’ll carry forward. We just don’t engage with negativity.”
Sanders, 23, also shared insights about his previous silent performance, which faced criticism, noting he aimed to keep his character “a bit more reserved.”
“I guess not everyone appreciates playfulness all the time,” Sanders reflected. “So it’s really about figuring out the right balance and maintaining a more subdued version of myself.
“Not everyone gets it, and sometimes there isn’t enough time to clarify.”
His comments followed Ryan’s pointed criticisms, where the ex-Jets coach suggested that Sanders’ outlook was hindering his opportunities with the Browns.
“There’s something lacking in this kid. He talks a lot, almost like he’s asserting, ‘I can be your starting quarterback.’” Ryan remarked. “He needs to sit in the front row, focus, and put in the work.
“If I’m aware of it, then the entire league knows.”
“He shouldn’t be embarrassed. He has the talent to be a quarterback, and he ought to be one. It’s a shame that he isn’t starting right now.”
After Tuesday’s trade of veteran QB Joe Flacco to the Bengals, the Browns announced on Friday that Sanders will serve as the No. 2 quarterback for the game against the Steelers on Sunday.
Rookie Dillon Gabriel is also set to play in Week 6, marking just his second start in the NFL.
