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Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders was blunt with his messages after helping deliver a win in his first NFL start Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
He warned the rest of the league that a full offseason with the first team could make the Browns look “dangerous”, and he vowed to all his critics that he would not fail. Sanders was criticized on social media for being arrogant when he made those remarks after going 11-of-20 for 209 yards and a touchdown.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, left, and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) greet each other after an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Former NFL star Shawne Merriman told Pakinomist Digital in a recent interview that he was “off the hook” with some of the remarks Sanders made and could see why he would face criticism for being arrogant or cocky.
“But the other side of it is, I don’t want to play a quarterback that’s not confident. I just don’t. I think, personally, I think that little bit of cockiness that Shedeur has gives the Browns a sense that they have a chance to win every week, which they haven’t had all season,” the former San Diego Chargers linebacker said while praising My Cleves Garrett.
“When you have them, they just need a defense. When you play at that level, you have to feel like you’re going into a game and you have a chance to win. That’s enough. And I think Shedeur’s confidence, whether people like it or not, resonates through that locker room. You saw the guys on the sidelines when he made that infectious 50-plus fine line that went. confidence and then say things that can be considered cocky.You can tell it’s a different team, and I’m not just talking about playing, they go into it with a lot more confidence as Shedeur starts at quarterback.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) prepares for a huddle against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)
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Sanders got the nod for the Browns’ Week 13 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Merriman expected big things to come for Sanders if he goes out and wins another victory.
“I know there’s a lot of outside pressure and media and him going fifth round and just everything outside the locker room,” he told Pakinomist Digital. “What happened with Shedeur is the best possible situation for him. You had two quarterbacks in front of him who didn’t panic. What you want to do is not rush, not listen to the people outside the locker room. He stayed the course and stayed positive. His time is here.
San Diego Chargers linebacker (56) Shawne Merriman against the Baltimore Ravens at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on September 20, 2009. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)
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“If he goes out and gets another win this week, he’s going to solidify himself as a starting quarterback going forward. He’s just got to ignore things outside the locker room and keep doing what he’s doing.”
