Browns quarterback Shadeur Sanders is pushing the ball down the field more than his predecessors did — which gives him an opportunity for both explosive plays and Bears takeaways.
“There’s some downfield passing game that they’ve been able to connect on the last couple weeks,” Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said Thursday.
The Bears lead the NFL with 18 interceptions and rank third with nine fumble recoveries. They’ve done so facing only one rookie quarterback — the Giants’ Jaxson Dart — though Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy made his first NFL start in Week 1.
Sanders will be making his fourth career start Sunday at Soldier Field.
“.Just like any rookie quarterback, he’s obviously still working through some things, but he obviously can throw the ball,” safety Kevin Byard said. “I think he’s really good at throwing the ball on time. “
Allen praised the Browns’ screen game, saying it’s been “outstanding for them” this season. Sanders has been calm when the ball in his hands, too.
“Obviously, you still see some signs of a rookie quarterback …” he said. I see a guy that’s got good pocket presence. I see a guy, when he’s out there, that can create. So I think he poses some significant challenges.”