‘Guys think it’s hard’ – Joe Flacco calls out Cleveland Browns rookies as Shedeur Sanders is sent clear message

CLEVELAND Browns veteran quarterback Joe Flacco sent a message to Shedeur Sanders and the rest of the team’s rookies.

The Super Bowl 47 MVP Joe Flacco has been in the NFL for 18 seasons and knows a thing or two about what practices should look like.

AP

Cleveland Browns veteran Joe Flacco and offensive lineman Ethan Pocic walk off the field after a practice[/caption]

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Flacco sent a message to 2025 fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders and the rest of the Browns’ rookies[/caption]

Cleveland has been performing in mandatory minicamps this week after being tasked with Organized Team Activities last week.

Flacco is in a crowded quarterback room that consists of third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, Sanders, who was taken two rounds later, and veteran Kenny Pickett.

The 40-year-old Flacco is the expected favorite to start in Week 1 and has shared his goal of being more than just a mentor to the youngsters.

Flacco spoke to reporters this week and suggested that the Browns‘ rookies have it easier in the early practice sessions than what he first experienced in his early days in the NFL.

“When it got easier in like, 2011 I think, everybody that was playing at that point had been grouped two days at some point in their life,” he said.

“Guys that are coming in the NFL now have never done it.

“We’re out here for an hour and 15 minutes and guys thinks it’s hard.

“You know, our OTAs were like over two hours.”

This is Flacco’s second stint with the Browns.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski elected to give first-team reps to Flacco and Pickett while the rookies worked with the second team.

The two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year has suggested the team is still in the “teaching” phase during the offseason.

“Let’s not look too much into who’s out there and when,” Stefanski said.

“We’re in installation phases, we’re in teaching phase, so not much to look into.

“It’s the offseason. It’s OTAs, so we’re going to keep the focus there.

“Once you get into training camp, of course, you’re getting ready to play games and ultimately getting ready to play the season.”

AP

Flacco is competing in a quarterback room that also features third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, far left, and Kenny Pickett, far right[/caption]

“But right now, that’s our focus.”

The Browns will have to decide on who stays on the 53-man roster this summer.

The biggest question will be which quarterbacks stick, as it’s expected that either Flacco or Pickett earns a spot, with the other getting the boot.

Cleveland is coming off a disappointing 3-14 season.