Joe Flacco delivers brutal verdict on Shedeur Sanders’ shocking preseason performance against Rams

Shedeur Sanders has had the full NFL experience already.

Expectations for the rookie had risen over a week ago after he impressed on his Browns debut, but after a poor showing against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, criticism has come thick and fast.

The Browns beat the Rams 19-17, but it was the since-cut Tyler Huntley who led the game-winning field goal drive to seal the victory for Cleveland.

Sanders failed to impress in his few reps after he was sacked five times and struggled to get into a rhythm with Cleveland’s offense.

He ended the night having completed just 3-of-6 passes he attempted for 14 yards.

And with the final 53-man roster deadline looming for the Browns, the last opportunity for Sanders to make his mark on the depth chart before Week 1 has seemingly come and gone.

No words of comfort from Flacco for Sanders

One person Sanders won’t find any sympathy from is teammate and veteran Joe Flacco.

The 40-year-old, who has been named the Browns QB1, told reporters that Sanders has just got to remember it’s part of the game as he recalled his own experience as a rookie for the Baltimore Ravens.

“Yeah big time. I can remember just like yesterday. I mean that’s part of being a rookie, you know. You’re gonna get thrown into situations that maybe you don’t think are ideal.” Flacco, who’s not been afraid to call out rookies, told reporters.

“I got thrown into a game against New England with two minutes left. I fumbled on the one yard line and they scored two plays later and that was John Harbaugh’s first preseason game and he was not happy.

“I wasn’t happy either but hey, so it’s part of the game. It’s part of what makes football player, is learning how to like deal with those situations and learn from them.

“So yeah, listen, we’ve all been there, it’s part of the game.”

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While Flacco’s harsh reality check for his teammate came from a good place, his critics online were ruthless.

“Shedeur Sanders should be cut after this game,” one fan posted on X.

Another fan said, “This is why he was taken in the 5th round.”

Amid all this criticism, Deion Sanders Jr, the brother of Shedeur, took to X and posted a Bible verse.

“Let my enemies be destroyed by the very evil they have planned for me,” he shared online shortly after his sibling’s less-than impressive performance.

As the dust settles from Saturday’s game, it doesn’t seem Sanders has been hugely affected.

The 24-year-old, who endured a stunning draft slide back in April, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram reflecting on his preseason campaign.

“Thanks everyone for the love and support. There’s a lot to learn from this preseason,” Sanders wrote.

“I’m really thankful for the opportunity to be out there. Day by day, rep by rep, I’ll keep learning and getting better.”

Sanders also shared two photos with his message, one of him with Browns fans and another of him in a huddle during a preseason game.

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