Browns' Shedeur Sanders offers real response to fiery Rex Ryan criticisms

After former NFL head coach and current ESPN analyst Rex Ryan took shots at Cleveland Browns' Shedeur Sanders, the rookie quarterback generated headlines when he mouthed silent answers to reporters' questions as a response to his criticisms. 

While speaking with media members on Thursday, Sanders used his words when asked about his reaction to Ryan’s comments.

Shedeur Sanders not focused on "negativity" amid uncertain future

"You just trying to start something, you feel me? We’re not on no negativity from now on, man. We’re not doing that," Sanders said, per Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I’m just here to be positive, and I don’t speak on anything negative. So that’s the new way. That’s what we’re going forward with. Anything negative, we’re not talking about it. We’re not speaking on it."

Specifically, Ryan said in late September that Sanders "should be embarrassed" he's not starting over fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel this fall. Ryan also suggested he had learned that Sanders hadn't been working hard enough to climb up the depth chart. 

On Thursday, Sanders acknowledged that he can "see a light at the end of the tunnel" regarding his status after the Browns traded veteran Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday. That said, multiple Browns insiders believe the club will promote Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to the active roster so he can serve as Gabriel's primary backup.

Why Shedeur Sanders feels more prepared for action 

"I think every day as an individual, you probably learn something about yourself that you didn’t know the day before," Sanders said about being more prepared for NFL action than he was during the preseason. "So waking up and existing every day, I would say you learn more. So to answer that question, yeah, I feel like now I’m ready. Even not saying I wasn’t ready before, but now I’m ready for whenever my opportunity is." 

It remains unclear when such an opportunity will arise, as there's no indication Gabriel is in danger of losing the QB1 gig as long as he stays healthy. As of Friday morning, ESPN BET had the 1-4 Browns as 6.5-point road underdogs for their matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) on Sunday.