Shedeur Sanders made his highly anticipated NFL debut for the Cleveland Browns in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. His disastrous performance and questionable antics after the game prompted Rex Ryan to criticize the rookie quarterback heavily. Now the former head coach is being ripped by a former linebacker for his take on the situation.
Rex Ryan Gets Ripped for Controversial Shedeur Sanders Comments
Sanders was massively disappointing in his NFL debut, including completing just four of his 16 passing attempts. Ryan was critical of the rookie on “Get Up” the following morning and also took issue with how he acted after the game’s conclusion. He pointed to him sitting alone on the bench and essentially ignoring Lamar Jackson.
Former linebacker Emmanuel Acho recently responded to Ryan’s comments during a “Speakeasy” episode. He clearly disagreed with Ryan’s assessment that Sanders’ negative body language warranted criticism.
“This is dumb, and if Rex Ryan wants to talk crazy about Shedeur Sanders, then let me talk crazy about Rex Ryan, because Rex Ryan makes some imbecilic remarks. Like truly imbecilic remarks. Like how in the world are you going to criticize his body language after that game? If there’s one thing he did great in that game, it was his body language,” exclaimed Acho.
Rex Ryan’s consistent attacks on @ShedeurSanders is starting to get weird, real weird. Seems personal and DUMB!
🎥: @speakeasytlkshw pic.twitter.com/Jh3F3wLP3n
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) November 18, 2025
Most NFL players meet on the field at the end of a game to embrace their opponents in a demonstration of sportsmanship. Sanders declined to participate, instead deciding to sit on the bench by himself and reflect upon his disastrous debut. Ryan had an issue with this, especially since Jackson seemed to be seeking him out unsuccessfully.
Acho acknowledged that the rookie didn’t do much right in the game, but his positive attitude throughout the contest was one of the few things for which he should be praised. He used examples of the quarterback trying to fire up the crowd and remaining engaged with his teammates, despite their glaring offensive failures.
The polarizing rookie has yet to start a game, but was called upon to replace Dillon Gabriel after he was forced to exit with a concussion. Gabriel left the game with the Browns leading the Ravens, but Sanders’ performance contributed to their blowing the lead and coming away with a loss. He completed just four of his 16 passes for 47 yards and an interception.
Gabriel has also struggled this year, ranking 37th of 38 qualified quarterbacks in PFSN’s Impact Rankings. The rookie duo was intended to provide the Browns with some answers at quarterback, but so far, they may have created even more questions about their future for the position.
