Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders didn’t even have to say the words. When asked about the New Orleans Saints’ defense ahead of his first start of the season this Sunday, he just smiled, and that grin spoke volumes, immediately igniting a fire under a maligned Saints squad. Sanders, stepping in for Deshaun Watson who is in concussion protocol, conducted his media session like he was playing chess, not checkers, and the Saints absolutely noticed.
That Grin Said It All
You know when someone gives you *that* look? That’s what Sanders did to the Saints. Asked what he saw on film, the second-year quarterback, son of the legendary Deion Sanders, flashed a smile and dropped a cryptic, eyebrow-raising comment. “When I smile, just know that means something. I’m maturing, you know what I’m saying? I’m maturing. I could have gave that a decent answer, but now I’m just going to smile whenever it’s just, like, some questions, you know?” C’mon, man, we all know what that means. He didn’t outright trash the defense, but by explaining his body language, he made it clear as day he sees a unit ripe for the picking. This guy, a former fifth-round pick, has always been a lightning rod off the field, never one to shy away from speaking his mind. Now, he’s got the spotlight for his first start since last season, when he was the Browns’ No. 1 quarterback for seven weeks. He only attempted two passes last week in their 27-6 loss to Pittsburgh when Watson went down, and has only three throws all year. Sunday is his chance to back up that talk.
“We’re Finna Come In Hot”
You think the Saints didn’t notice? Please. Edge rusher Carl Granderson was definitely paying attention, and he wasn’t happy. “We’re gonna come in with a chip on our shoulder for sure,” Granderson said, making it clear. “They’ve been chirping a little bit. We see what the quarterback done said. We’re finna come in hot and ready to play. We’re going to pack the defense, and the offense is going to come with it. It’s going to be a good game for sure. We’re going to come out with the dub.” That’s the kind of fire you want to see. And honestly, the Saints defense needs that extra motivation. They’ve been struggling, ranking 28th in yards per game allowed and 29th in scoring. Passing defense isn’t much better, giving up 233.3 yards per game through the air. Sanders wouldn’t be the first quarterback to pick them apart, but after his little wink-and-a-smile routine, you can bet the Saints will be coming at him with something to prove.
This Sunday, it’s more than just a Week 9 matchup. It’s Shedeur Sanders’ chance to prove his confidence wasn’t just talk, and it’s the Saints’ chance to shut him up. Get ready for some fireworks, because when a quarterback smiles like that, and a defense responds like *that*, you know it’s gonna be a must-watch game.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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