“We are in this mess because of Baker Mayfield”: Browns analyst disagrees with ex-NFL QB for calling out Shedeur Sanders' lack of effort after INT

Cleveland Browns insider Ken Carman has defended quarterback Shedeur Sanders against criticism for not attempting to recover the ball after throwing an interception against Chicago. The Browns quarterback had a poor outing last Sunday against the Bears, throwing three interceptions.

Analyzing one of the plays where Sanders’ pass was intercepted, former Super Bowl champion Daniel Chase criticized the quarterback’s lack of reaction. He said:

“This is going to get on the coach’s nerves, and you can get mad at me for pointing it out all you want. Watch Shedeur first, before we get to the back view. After the interception, what are you taught as a quarterback? To not stand there. He is the only guy to not move to chase. Every other guy is chasing. I promise you that’s getting talked about.”

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Reacting to Chase’s criticism on The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, the hosts Carman and Lima defended Sanders. Lima said:

“You’re trying to be a hero out there; you just got to be so careful because if you’re Shedeur Sanders, this is it: you go out there, and you injure a hamstring, forget about getting it, you start running in an opposite direction than you are expected to, and then boom! Hamstring time, then you’re done for the year. Like, guys, we’re done with conversation about him starting next year.”

Carman backed up his co-host’s analysis, referencing Baker Mayfield’s injury in his time at the franchise. He said:

“We’re in this mess because of Baker Mayfield. This whole thing, the reason why you guys are cussing each other out and not going to each other’s Christmas parties this year, all really starts with Baker Mayfield and that injury… The reason why we’re in this mess all of a sudden right now is because Baker tried to make that tackle.”

Shedeur Sanders’ rise to the Browns’ starting role

Shedeur Sanders was handed the Browns’ starting quarterback job for the rest of the season last week. The Colorado alum has had to overcome several doubts and speculations to earn that job, including being a third-string quarterback.

His performance against the Bears has raised concerns about his ability to shoulder the responsibility as the Browns’ primary quarterback. But head coach Kevin Stefanski has come to his defense, citing the game as an important learning experience for the young quarterback.

Edited by Kayode Akinwumi