After recently defending Shilo Sanders following an NFL disciplinary action, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Shannon Sharpe has criticized the Cleveland Browns for their decision to start veteran quarterback Joe Flacco in the team’s season-opening loss. The comments come after Sharpe had previously spoken in support of Shilo Sanders regarding a fine from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Sharpe questioned the Browns’ approach, suggesting that rookies Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel should have been given an opportunity instead. “I don’t know why y’all fooling with Joe Flacco,” Sharpe said in reference to the team’s choice not to start either rookie.
Expanding on his views during his Nightcap podcast, Sharpe added, “Y’all know Joe Flacco’s not taking y’all anywhere. He is not your quarterback of the future. If I’m going to lose, I’m going to lose trying to find out who my quarterback is. That’s just me. I don’t care if it’s Gabriel, I don’t care if it’s Shedeur.”
In Sunday’s close 17-16 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Flacco threw for 290 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. After the game, Flacco addressed his performance: “That’s football. I’m wishing I threw it a little bit better…we’re all going home tonight and trying to sleep with that on our chest.”
While Flacco did not deliver a poor statistical performance according to reports, Sharpe expressed that giving young players such as Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders game experience could be more beneficial for evaluating talent moving forward.
Fellow TV personality Skip Bayless also weighed in on the debate over the Browns’ starting quarterback selection. Bayless stated, “If Shedeur had started yesterday (Week 1 game) for the Browns, they would’ve beaten the Bengals.”
The Browns have yet to indicate any immediate plans for changes at quarterback but may consider alternatives later in the season.
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