New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson has stated the team will play with a "chip on our shoulder" in their upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns, citing comments made by Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Sanders, who is set to make his first start of the 2026 season with Deshaun Watson sidelined by a concussion, told reporters on Wednesday that he had observed the Saints' defense. "When I smile, just know that means something," Sanders said when asked about the defense. "I’m maturing. I’m maturing. Like, I could have given a decent answer, but now I’m just going to smile whenever it’s just, like, some questions."

Granderson, second on the Saints with 5.5 sacks this season, responded to Sanders' remarks on Friday. "You know, they’ve been chirping a little bit. We see what the quarterback done said. So, you know, we’re going to come in hot and ready to play," Granderson told reporters. "We’re going to pack the defense, and the offense is going to come with it. So, it’s going to be a good game for sure. So we’re going to come out with the dub."

He added, "I just can’t wait till Sunday to get out there, play fast and hit somebody, especially them."

Browns coach Todd Monken officially announced Sanders as the starter for Sunday's game after Watson was placed in concussion protocol following the team's Week 9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although Watson returned to limited practice on Friday, he did not clear concussion protocol.

Sanders, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has appeared in limited action this season, completing 3 of 3 passes for 2 yards. As a rookie, he started seven games, posting a 3-4 record with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while throwing for 1,400 yards and completing 56.6 percent of his passes. He lost the preseason starting quarterback competition to Watson.

Monken expressed enthusiasm for Sanders' first start. "I’m fired up to see him play. Who wouldn’t be?" Monken said 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.

"He’s another one of our young players that we’re looking to see."