Saints Defensive End Carl Granderson Responds to Quarterback Shedeur Sanders
A broad smile and a reluctance to play it straight have given the New Orleans defense all the bulletin-board material they need heading into the weekend. When Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders addressed reporters on Wednesday regarding his preparation and film study of the Saints’ defensive unit, he offered a grin rather than a standard, unassuming answer.
That exchange set off a quick response inside the locker room down in New Orleans. Saints defensive end Carl Granderson made it clear on Friday that the remarks had caught the defense’s attention.
“We’re gonna come in with a chip on our shoulder, for sure,” Granderson told reporters, as noted by Cleveland.com. “You know, they been chirping a little bit. We heard what the quarterback . . . said. So, you know, we’re going to come in hot and ready to play. . . . It’s gonna be a good game, for sure. We’re gonna come out with the win.”
Sanders Prepares for First Start of the 2026 NFL Season
The timing puts the spotlight squarely on Sanders as he steps into his first start of the 2026 season. Browns coach Todd Monken announced Friday that Sanders would take the reins of the offense after Deshaun Watson entered the NFL concussion protocol following Cleveland’s 27-6 loss to the Steelers.
Watson attempted a limited return to practice on Friday, but it proved insufficient to clear league protocols. That opened the door for Sanders, a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“I’m fired up to see him play. Who wouldn’t be?” Monken told reporters on Friday. “Let’s go. It’s the expectation of the position. This is what he’s wanted, right? He wants to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Let’s go. Let’s let it rip. Let’s see what we got. We’re not holding anything back.”
Looking at the Numbers and Prior Performance
Sanders enters Sunday’s matchup with limited regular-season action under his belt this year. He has completed 3 of 3 pass attempts for a total of 2 yards across brief appearances.
During his rookie campaign, Sanders started seven games for Cleveland, compiling a 3-4 record. He threw seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions while accumulating 1,400 passing yards, completing 56.6 percent of his throws before losing the preseason starting competition to Watson.
On the other side of the line, Granderson provides a seasoned presence for the Saints. The defensive end has recorded 5.5 sacks this season, ranking second on the New Orleans defense.
“I just can’t wait till Sunday to get out there, play fast and hit somebody, especially them,” Granderson said.
