The Chicago Bears defense kept polarizing Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders out of the end zone in a 31-3 rout, then added some postgame trash talk through one of its most outspoken defenders.
Sanders passed for 177 yards, completing 18 of 35 passes with three interceptions. After the matchup, Bears cornerback Chauncey Gardner-Johnson said the team wanted to make a point against Sanders, who accounted for four touchdowns the week prior.
“It’s about time he ran into some problems,” Gardner-Johnson said, via the Chicago Sun-Times. “He’s a great young player. They’re a great young group that’s playing hard, physical. He’s just going against a lot of vets that have something to play for. Sometimes you gotta teach a rookie how to stay in a rookie’s place.”
Sanders was humble in defeat, giving credit to the Chicago defense.
“They had a great defensive scheme,” Sanders said. “I enjoyed playing against them. I enjoyed playing in that. It was definitely a little challenge, so I look forward to learning from that. And look forward to understanding exactly how things was on film and being able to learn from it.”
Browns Back Shedeur Sanders Despite Loss
Sanders’ stat line was not pretty. But the loss wasn’t entirely on the rookie quarterback. The Browns were outplayed in every phase of the game and made countless mistakes. After watching the tape, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski backed Sanders.
“Obviously, some good throws down the field, made some explosive plays. There’s definitely plays that he wants back, that he can be better, whether it’s a decision or a ball or those types of things,” Stefanski said. “But I thought he fought till the end and has the right attitude that he’ll just keep learning from all of these experiences.”
Sanders’ fight and even-keeled attitude on the field during the struggle also earned him the support of his veteran teammates.
“He’s never complained once,” Browns offensive guard Joel Bitonio said. “He just really does keep his head down and he’s trying. He takes some big hits on some scrambles and some pocket breakdowns and he takes some big hits and he’s just back up, trying to make the next play, trying to make a big play. So it’s, it’s a huge credit to him and hopefully we can continue to improve around him, give him a chance to keep improving.”
Browns May Stick With Shedeur Sanders
The Browns are 3–11 and out of postseason contention, but the final few games carry real significance for Sanders as he attempts to prove he can be a long-term answer at quarterback in Cleveland. The franchise holds two first-round picks in the upcoming draft and must soon decide whether to use that capital on a quarterback.
Sanders has flashed meaningful upside, showcasing strong instincts and an ability to create plays when things break down. Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com said the current “vibe” around the team suggests Cleveland could be open to moving forward with Sanders as its quarterback.
“I think he’s shown enough traits now that there’s something to this young man and something worth building on here,” Cabot said on 92.3 The Fan. “He’s done some remarkable things already, despite the fact that he didn’t start practicing with the starters before his first start four weeks ago.
“There’s something here. “I just have a feeling that they’re going to analyze the whole thing and decide they want to move forward with him. I can’t say for sure, yet. But it sort of has that vibe, feels like it’s almost kind of trending in that direction.”
Sanders will get another chance to prove himself against a quality opponent this week against the Buffalo Bills.
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