Shedeur Sanders’ momentum came to a screeching halt in Chicago. One week after lighting up the Titans for 364 yards and four total touchdowns, the Browns rookie had a nightmare outing in brutal conditions as Cleveland lost 31–3 to the Bears.
Playing in single-digit temperatures with a severe wind chill, Sanders struggled from the opening drive and never recovered. He finished 18 of 35 for 177 yards with three interceptions and a 17.7 passer rating. He was sacked five times and failed to lead Cleveland to a single touchdown.
It was a sharp contrast from the flashes he showed just days earlier. This immediately ignited questions about his hold on the QB1 job. Asked postgame if he feared losing his starting role, Sanders said,
“Do you know what league we’re in? You can lose your job at any point in time. You don’t play with fear. I don’t play or live in fear.”
Sanders admitted he wanted several throws back while crediting Chicago’s defensive game plan.