Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders Claps Back at Anonymous Pac-12 Critic

The quarterback took exception to the controversial criticism.

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is off to a blazing start to the season, even garnering some Heisman Trophy consideration through five games. However, that level of production also has come with criticism, as one anonymous Pac-12 coach accused Sanders of padding his statistics at the expense of the team.

“I think they want to rack up some stats for Shedeur. He really holds on to the ball a long time. I think he takes sacks because he doesn’t want to affect his completion percentage,” a Pac-12 assistant coach told The Athletic earlier this week.

That comment made its way to the Colorado team, and Sanders had the opportunity to respond. In a behind-the-scenes video recorded by Deion Sanders Jr. and Well Off Media, Shedeur brushed off the anonymous coach’s criticism.

“That coach, whoever said that, is goofy, lame,” Sanders said. 

So far this season, Sanders ranks second in the country with 1,781 passing yards, trailing only Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., and his 15 touchdown passes are tied for third in the nation. However, Sanders also has taken 25 sacks through five games, leading to his rushing yards total of minus-43 yards in 49 attempts.

According to the anonymous coach, Sanders has changed his playing style in recent weeks.

“He’s playing a little different than he did earlier in the season. Before he showed that, he was willing to step up and escape through the B-gaps. Now, he’s retreating more,” the assistant said.

Regardless, Sanders’s stats are impressive, especially considering he’s been without injured two-way star Travis Hunter for the past two weeks.