Saints Defense Ready to Respond to Shedeur Sanders Comments

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders enters his first start of the season for the Cleveland Browns, bringing extra motivation to the New Orleans Saints defense after a lighthearted exchange with reporters earlier in the week.

Sanders Keeps Cards Close to Vest Ahead of First Start

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Sanders addressed inquiries regarding the Saints defense with a wide smile and a cryptic hint about his level of preparation. “Yeah, I’ve seen a lot,” Sanders told reporters. “When I smile, just know that means something. I’m maturing. I’m maturing. Like, I could have given a decent answer, but now I’m just going to smile whenever it’s just, like, some questions.”

The remarks caught the attention of the Saints locker room. Cleveland coach Todd Monken announced Friday that Sanders would get the nod under center after Deshaun Watson entered concussion protocol following the Browns’ 27-6 loss to the Steelers. Watson attempted a limited practice Friday, but failed to secure medical clearance.

"They've been chirping a little bit. We see what the quarterback said. […] It's going to be a good game for sure,” – Saints EDGE Carl Granderson responds to Shedeur Sanders. pic.twitter.com/Sei5eLk4rL”

— https://x.com/ESPNCleveland/status/2118809299002806411

Granderson and the Saints Respond to Cleveland’s Chirping

New Orleans defenders noticed the comments immediately. Defensive end Carl Granderson voiced the team’s reaction on Friday, telling Cleveland.com that the remarks provided added fuel for the upcoming matchup.

“We’re gonna come in with a chip on our shoulder, for sure,” Granderson said Friday. “You know, they been chirping a little bit. We heard what the quarterback . . . said. So, you know, we’re going to come in hot and ready to play. . . . It’s gonna be a good game, for sure. We’re gonna come out with the [win].”

Granderson, who currently ranks second on the New Orleans defense with 5.5 sacks this season, expressed eagerness to take the field. “I just can’t wait till Sunday to get out there, play fast and hit somebody, especially them,” he added.

Why Shedeur Sanders' Press Conference Raised Concerns Ahead of Potential Browns Start vs. Saints

Browns Turn to Young Quarterback in Search of Spark

Sanders, selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has completed 3 of 3 pass attempts for 2 yards this season. During his rookie campaign, he started seven games, recording a 3-4 record with seven touchdowns, ten interceptions, and 1,400 passing yards while completing 56.6 percent of his passes. He lost the preseason starting quarterback competition to Watson prior to the season and has been the backup this year.

Monken expressed enthusiasm for the young signal-caller’s opportunity. “I’m fired up to see him play. Who wouldn’t be?” Monken told reporters Friday. “Let’s go. It’s the expectation of the position. This is what he’s wanted, right? He wants to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Let’s go. Let’s let it rip. Let’s see what we got. We’re not holding anything back.”

Shedeur Sanders was asked what he saw on film while studying the Saints defense: “I seen a lot… just know when I smile that means something… I’m maturing.” pic.twitter.com/Ft9S1fkpJ5

— https://x.com/KalshiGridiron/status/2118079962548699605

More on Quarterback Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders LAUGHS at Saints Defense & Under MAJOR Pressure

Shedeur Sanders is asked what does he see when watching film of the #Saints? pic.twitter.com/1hMIucAU0Y

— https://x.com/RuiterWrongFAN/status/2118036113336218075

Did Shedeur Sanders do himself any favors by avoiding questions about the Saints in his media chat?

#Saints thinking Shedeur Sanders was laughing at them or trash talking is soft as can be. He simply didn’t want to engage in answering a question he was asked. Shedeur did that for much of his availability Wednesday. Have to stick up for Shedeur here. Saints need some media…

— https://x.com/RuiterWrongFAN/status/2118857393425490289