Titans Troll Shedeur Sanders, But Jeffery Simmons Sees a Star in the Making
The Tennessee Titans might be sitting near the bottom of the standings, but that didn’t stop them from making some noise on Sunday-both on the scoreboard and on the field. In a 31-29 win over the Cleveland Browns, several Titans players took the opportunity to troll Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders by flashing his now-signature watch celebration during the game. But after the final whistle, there was no mistaking the respect that’s already brewing for the young QB-especially from Titans veteran Jeffery Simmons.
Simmons on Sanders: “He’s Going to Be a Star”
Simmons didn’t hold back in his postgame comments when asked about Sanders. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle made it clear that he’s a fan-not just of the rookie’s game, but of the swagger and competitiveness he brings to the field.
“He has been a competitor all his life,” Simmons said. “I’m a fan of his family, especially with [dad and Hall of Famer Deion Sanders]...
I knew he was a competitor. That’s the reason you saw the pre-draft things with him and [Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward].
You know he’s a competitor. You know he's going to talk smack.
I love it.”
The two reportedly exchanged words throughout the game, but it was all in the spirit of competition. Simmons added, “That’s his team now.
He’s going to be a star in this league. He’s already a star.
You enjoy when you're playing against a guy like that, who can give you lip and smack talk back. But you also have to let him know he’s still a rookie.”
That last line sums up the tone of the afternoon-respect with a side of reality. Sanders is clearly earning the attention of veterans across the league, but he’s still learning the ropes.
A Career Day for Shedeur
If Sunday was a teaching moment, Sanders passed the test with flying colors-at least statistically. In just his third NFL start, the rookie delivered the most explosive performance of his young career: 23-of-42 passing for 364 yards, three touchdowns through the air, and one on the ground.
The lone blemish? A third-quarter interception that reminded everyone he’s still developing.
Still, the numbers were historic. According to CBS Sports, Sanders became the first player in the post-merger era to rack up 350+ passing yards and four total touchdowns in a single game within his first five NFL starts. That’s not just promising-it’s rare.
Confidence Never in Question
Despite the Browns falling to 3-10 on the season, Sanders didn’t sound like a quarterback shaken by the loss or the uncertainty swirling around Cleveland’s quarterback room. With veteran Deshaun Watson still in the picture and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel waiting in the wings, the long-term outlook remains murky. Add in the possibility of the Browns targeting another QB in the upcoming draft, and it’s clear that Sanders is still fighting to solidify his role.
But if there’s one thing Sanders doesn’t lack, it’s belief in himself.
“I’ve been this way,” Sanders said after the game. “So, this is God showing a lot of people who I am.
You know, a lot of circumstances, will sometimes get you mentally not in your best place. And you got to find your happy place.
You got to find it for you.”
He added that he’s leaned heavily on his faith to stay grounded, especially during a week of personal reflection. “I’ve been praying and doing a lot [of] talking to God this week in general, to get back to that place, to get back there.
So, yeah, it’s him. He the one did it for me.”
Next Up: A Tough Test in Chicago
The Browns now turn their attention to a road trip against the 9-4 Chicago Bears on Dec. 14. As of Monday morning, Cleveland is a seven-point underdog, and with good reason-the Bears have been one of the NFC’s most consistent teams this season.
But if Sanders can build off Sunday’s breakout performance, Cleveland might have more than just a puncher’s chance. The rookie’s talent is evident, his confidence is unwavering, and his presence is already turning heads-even among his opponents.
The Titans may have had their fun with the watch celebration, but if Jeffery Simmons is right, it won’t be long before Shedeur Sanders is the one setting the tone-and the scoreboard-in games like this.