Shedeur Sanders Literally Was “Speechless” After Browns Named Dillon Gabriel Starting Quarterback over Him

Shedeur Sanders reacted to Kevin Stefanski naming Dillon Gabriel as the starter by benching Joe Flacco.

Shedeur Sanders Literally Was “Speechless” After Browns Named Dillon Gabriel Starting Quarterback over Him

Shedeur Sanders and #5 Dillon Gabriel (Image via X/IMAGO)

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Shedeur Sanders’ unique method of protest in the aftermath of Rex Ryan’s criticism regarding his attitude became the hot topic on social media. Sanders refused to answer questions about the Cleveland Browns picking Joe Flacco as the backup quarterback to Dillon Gabriel over him.

Earlier this week, the Browns decided to give rookie Gabriel the starting quarterback mantle by demoting Flacco to the bench after the team started the season 1-3 with defeats against the Bengals, Ravens, and Lions. However, Sanders stayed QB3.

When reporters tried to elicit a reaction from Sanders, the 23-year-old mimicked his answers. A video shared by SI’s Spencer German documented the moment.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter speculated that Sanders’ behavior could be the result of Rex Ryan calling the Colorado graduate out on Monday’s edition of Get Up.

This kid [Shedeur Sanders] talks, and he runs his mouth. I can be a starting quarterback with his arms crossed like this. Get your ass in the front row and study and do all that. If I know, the whole league knows. Quit being an embarrassment that way. You’ve got the talent to be the quarterback; you should be. You should be embarrassed that you’re not the quarterback now.

Rex Ryan said (HT/FOX News)

Despite shocking the Green Bay Packers in week three with a late win, questions were raised about Flacco. Fans wanted the front office to follow the Giants’ example and replace the veteran with one of the newcomers. Sanders threw his name in the hat, but his statement rubbed people the wrong way.

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

Head coach Kevin Stefanski’s diplomatic reaction failed to satisfy the fanbase. Despite praising the fifth-round rookie’s work ethic, Stefanski stuck with Flacco in week four.

The 40-year-old Pro Bowl quarterback threw multiple interceptions and ended the Lions fixture with an abysmal 48.36 quarterback rating. Stefanski benched Flacco in favor of Gabriel.

Stephen A. Smith questioned Kevin Stefanski’s decision to keep Shedeur Sanders as QB3

One of the leading names to question Stefanski’s decision to name Flacco as Gabriel’s backup and Sanders as QB3 is Stephen A. Smith. If Cleveland is comfortable with the youth revolution, then they could have promoted Sanders ahead of Flacco.

I don’t understand why you can’t put Shedeur as your QB2. Personally, I don’t get that part. And here’s why I’m saying that: Flacco knows Father Time has caught up with him; he’s not what he used to be.

Stephen A. Smith said on his YouTube channel
Shedeur Sanders Literally Was "Speechless" After Browns Named Dillon Gabriel Starting Quarterback over Him
#12 Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO) and #5 Dillon Gabriel (Image via IMAGO)

The Browns knew that Flacco was never the long-term answer, and his prime years are behind him.

[Flacco’s] there as a security blanket to some degree. He’s not what he was just a couple of years ago, when Deshaun Watson went down, and he got the Cleveland Browns to the postseason before they lost to the Houston Texans.

Smith added

Flacco’s presence on the roster is justified because he brings tons of experience and leadership. However, Smith doesn’t view the Super Bowl winner as the future of the franchise. If so, then it made very little sense to stick with him as the backup quarterback as opposed to Sanders.

Smith predicted that Sanders would eventually see first-team football late in the season.

If [Dillon Gabriel] played lights out, it would be different. But because I don’t see that happening, I think around Week 12, Week 13, we can expect to see Shedeur Sanders.

Smith said

The Browns drafted Sanders 144th overall, two rounds after taking Gabriel. Sanders made his Browns debut in a preseason win over the Carolina Panthers, throwing two touchdowns.

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