The Cleveland Browns could have a new starting quarterback under center when they face the New Orleans Saints in Week 9. Deshaun Watson is in concussion protocol after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter of Cleveland’s 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. If he doesn’t clear the protocol in time for Sunday’s game, Shedeur Sanders could get the nod.

But before Sanders potentially gets his first start of the season, the second-year QB has already found himself at the center of controversy after his response to a question about the Saints’ defense drew a strong reaction from NFL fans on social media.

Shedeur Sanders Sparks Backlash With Press Conference Comments

Watson has started all eight games this season and leads the NFL with 33 sacks taken. He also threw for a season-high 324 yards in Week 8.

Sanders, meanwhile, has had very few chances to make his case for the starting job. He has appeared in just two games this season, completing all three of his pass attempts for two yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. During his rookie season in 2025, he completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Ahead of the Browns’ upcoming matchup, reporters asked Sanders about the Saints’ defense, which currently ranks second-to-last in the league with a PFN Defense Impact Score of 65.4.

Rather than give a detailed assessment, Sanders laughed and hinted that he had more to say but was choosing to keep it to himself.

“Yeah, I’ve seen a lot. 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,” Sanders said.

His response quickly caught fans’ attention, with many questioning whether his comments, which seemed to take a dig at the Saints’ defense, showed the maturity needed for a potential starting assignment.

One X user wrote, “A mature person would have given a mature answer.”

Another fan questioned Sanders’ choice of words, saying, “The moment you have to say ‘I’m maturing,’ it negates all maturity.”

One commenter was equally unimpressed, writing, “I don’t think that’s maturing.”

Others suggested Sanders could have handled the situation differently.

One user explained, “Bro, all you have to say is you are looking forward to the challenge, and then let your play on the field do the rest of the talking. Nobody but you thinks this clownish behavior is maturity.”

One X user offered some blunt advice, writing, “Bro [expletive], and get some PR training.”

Another user quipped, “‘I’m maturing,’ and immediately shows immaturity.”

Saints Face Important Test Against Potential Browns QB Change

New Orleans is coming off its bye week, giving the team time to prepare for a possible quarterback change in Cleveland. Sitting last in the NFC South at 2-5, the Saints badly need a win to stay in contention and could look to take advantage of Watson’s potential absence.

Sanders’ limited playing time could make him an unfamiliar challenge for the Saints’ defense, but it also gives New Orleans a chance to test him early. The defense will need to pressure him in the pocket and disrupt his timing, forcing him into difficult throws and potentially creating opportunities for turnovers.

The Browns have also struggled to get going early, getting outscored 65-13 in the first quarter this season.

If the Saints can build an early lead, they could put Sanders in a difficult position in his first potential start of the season, forcing Cleveland to move away from its run game and rely more heavily on the passing attack. That would give New Orleans’ defense a chance to dictate the game rather than react to Cleveland’s offense.