Third-string quarterbacks usually don’t get the spotlight. Honestly, they barely get mentioned. But Cleveland’s QB room is a headline of its own, with the fan-favourite sitting all the way at No. 3. So when Kevin Stefanski got asked if Sheduer Sanders was ready to play, he had to break out the most diplomatic coach-speak he could muster.

Questions about Shedeur Sanders‘ playing time and readiness are something that Stefanski will hear all season long, and he has a script prepared. “All of our guys feel like they’re ready,” Stefanski said. “And they’re working very hard at it. We do a lot of work with the rookies, vets, and all our guys, spending every available minute we have getting them ready physically, mentally. Whether it’s in the weight room or the meeting room.”

The Browns’ QB situation is almost funny in the sense that there’s not much of a difference in the ability between the three QBs. There are quite a few who believe that Sanders, the QB3, is the best quarterback on the roster. How often do you hear that about a third string?

But of course, experience goes a long way. That’s why Joe Flacco has gotten the starting nod and has played pretty much every snap so far. And to be honest, he hasn’t been that great. So far, Flacco has racked up 631, with two touchdowns and four picks. Just a 61.1% completion. More picks than touchdowns, even in the franchise that is sitting near the bottom of the league with a 1-2 record. And that is concerning.

Looking at Flacco’s numbers, it’d be safe to assume that Dillon Gabriel would have gotten a taste of a few snaps. Well, it was a little cameo against the Ravens in a 17-41 loss. He completed three out of three attempts for 20 yards and even threw a touchdown. “I just wanted to do my job, make sure I brought some juice from what was left, and just try to serve the moment, maximize the moment,” Gabriel said post-game. Maybe it’s time to lean on the rookies a little more for Stefanski? After all, if you’ve got a balanced QB room, you need to capitalize on it.

Additionally, Stefanski is firm that rookies, Sanders, and Gabriel, along with the vets, are ready both mentally and physically. So why aren’t the rest given the chance? As per the head coach, after the Browns’ miraculous comeback victory over the Packers, Flacco will remain the starter for the next week. But when QB3 got the same question, he didn’t hesitate. The quarterback delivered his answer with all the confidence in the world.

Shedeur Sanders criticises the quarterback play across the league

Shedeur Sanders might be the most polarizing name in Cleveland right now. To some, he shouldn’t even be on the roster; to others, he should already be the starter. But no matter which side you’re on, one thing’s clear: confidence isn’t something he’s short on. And that goes a long way in this league.

When asked if he’s ready to play, Sanders delivered a confident answer, which might be perceived as arrogant by the critics. The nearly three-minute locker room interview started off innocent enough. He was asked about Coach Prime’s comments on the New Heights podcast, where Dad confidently predicted Shedeur would see the field in Cleveland at some point this season.

Shedeur’s opening was rather measured on Thursday, September 25. He said he’s “locked in” and taking things day-to-day despite being third string. But then came the eyebrow-raiser: “You see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that,” he said.

It’s up to you to decide whether this was a little jab at Joe Flacco or just a little analysis of overall QB play so far this season. Depends on who you ask, really. But the interesting part? He isn’t wrong, not entirely. Flacco mustered a 37.5 passer rating that puts him 28th in the league. It’s very much possible that Sanders can put up better numbers.

And for the offenses across the league, it’s been bleak. They’ve been averaging nearly 300 yards every game. And it seems like Shedeur had a good look at this stat before dropping that interview.