Shedeur Sanders under fire as New Orleans Saints star calls out Cleveland Browns QB
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders had plenty to prove in his first start of the 2026 NFL season. After Sunday’s 23-22 overtime loss on November 8, Granderson made his feelings clear, calling Sanders’ reaction disrespectful. The tension started before the Week 9 matchup at Caesars Superdome. During a press conference ahead of the November 8 game, Sanders was asked what he had seen while studying the Saints defense. New Orleans also limited Cleveland to 95 rushing yards on 34 attempts, giving the Browns fewer options to support their passing game.
“We seen a lot on film,” the defensive end said when asked if Sanders’ comments had motivated the team. Their defense entered the game ranked 28th in total yards allowed, according to the pregame figures cited in the original report. Speaking to reporters following the loss, Sanders said his words had been taken out of context.
But his pregame comments about the New Orleans Saints defense caught the attention of defensive end Carl Granderson. The Saints defender also had a strong performance to back up his words. “I don’t think we’re motivated, though. We seen him chirping. We just came into this game like, ready to play, win the game on defense. The Saints had another reason to make their point. Yet the unit delivered when Cleveland needed points most. Granderson did more than speak about the exchange. He recorded two sacks against Sanders, while the Saints defense finished with five. The quarterback also addressed the controversy after the game.