Sports

Shedeur Sanders’ Somber Sideline Reaction Sparks Discourse On Motives After Apparent Lamar Jackson Snub

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Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns

© Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images


The Baltimore Ravens beat the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns on Sunday in NFL action. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders grabbed headlines in that seven-point defeat.

It represented the passer’s his first regular season action. His performance has been scrutinized heavily, as has his postgame reaction.

Sanders finished with a stat line of 47 yards on 4-of-16 passing. He threw one pick and no touchdowns in his NFL debut.

With that said, there were a few catchable balls that fell to the turf, including one that could’ve tied the game on the final drive.

Some left with confirmation that he’s not NFL ready. Others were encouraged about the future. His play, however, was not the lone talking point.

Did Shedeur Sanders snub Lamar Jackson?

After the game, Jackson was seen supposedly looking for the rookie signal caller. Sanders remained on the bench after the crushing loss.

It became an immediate headline.

Sanders was dejected after his inability to lead a comeback effort. Many, including Rex Ryan, questioned the reaction.

“Shedeur, he’s gotta get over himself,” Ryan said on his most recent episode of Get Up. “He’s there by himself on the bench. I’ve seen that in the seventh game of a World Series… [but] this is a pillow fight game. Nobody cares.

“Did he care? Or are you trying to make it a show about yourself?”

Ryan continued on to note the supposed Lamar Jackson snub by saying, “He was looking for you. Why didn’t you share a moment with him?”

What was Sanders’ motive?

That is a question that’s been asked since his time in college. The off-field spotlight and reported ego issues have surrounded his football career.

A lavish lifestyle, a budding rap career, and a massive social media presence often overshadow his production. His confidence, in many instances, comes off as arrogance.

Rex Ryan suggested that Sanders’ somber sideline reaction was all for show. He questioned the quarterback’s intent, as did many others.

Was Shedeur Sanders truly upset with his performance in a 23-16 loss, or was he looking for another opportunity to grab the attention? That answer likely depends on your opinion of the passer prior to his NFL debut.