Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders said his recent remarks about the New Orleans Saints defense were taken out of context, insisting he never intended to provide bulletin‑board material ahead of their Week 9 matchup. Sanders, who will make his first start of the season on Sunday with Deshaun Watson in the concussion protocol, told CBS Sports' AJ Ross: "Everything I do up to this point is taken out of context, but I can't be one caring about what people say. I would never disrespect or ever talk down another opponent or another team, so that's just another trick in the media that they use. However they feel, they feel. I don't care how they feel."
Comments on film study
During a media session on Wednesday, Sanders was asked what he noticed on film against a Saints defense that ranks 28th in yards per game allowed and 29th in scoring, surrendering 233.3 passing yards per game. He responded with a grin: "I've seen a lot. 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?" His body language suggested he believes the unit can be exploited.
Saints' reaction
New Orleans edge rusher Carl Granderson said the team took notice. "We're gonna come in with a chip on our shoulder for sure. 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."
Sanders' opportunity
The second‑year quarterback, a former fifth‑round pick and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has long drawn attention for his outspoken nature. He briefly entered last week's 27‑6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after Watson took a big hit, attempting only two passes and throwing just three times all season. Sunday's start will mark his first time leading the offense since last season, when he spent seven weeks as Cleveland's No. 1 quarterback.
