Shedeur Sanders Struggles in Blowout Loss, Addresses Turnovers and Job Security
It was a rough outing for rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders on Sunday, as the Cleveland Browns were outmatched in a 31-3 road loss to the Chicago Bears. Sanders, making just his third NFL start, completed 18 of 35 passes for 177 yards and threw three interceptions - a performance that raised fresh questions about his readiness and his chemistry with the offense.
One of those turnovers came on a play that had the potential to swing momentum back in Cleveland’s favor. Midway through the third quarter, facing third-and-9, Sanders lofted a deep ball down the right sideline toward wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.
It looked like a contested catch opportunity - a 50/50 ball that Jeudy had a shot at. But instead of a touchdown or even an incompletion, the ball ended up in the hands of Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson in the end zone.
A missed connection turned into a costly interception.
After the game, Sanders was asked about the play and his rapport with Jeudy. His response was measured but didn’t go unnoticed.
“It’s going to happen,” Sanders said. “So, like, it is what it is.
I’m not going to kick someone while they’re down. He understands it was a big play, and I’m sure he’s hard on himself.
So there’s no need for me to be extra and do that.”
While Sanders tried to keep things in perspective, his comments drew criticism from some corners of the football world. NFL analyst Jason Whitlock took to social media to voice his disapproval, suggesting the rookie’s remarks were more of a subtle jab at Jeudy than a show of support.
This isn’t the first time Sanders and Jeudy have found themselves under the microscope. During the Browns’ Week 13 loss to the 49ers, the two were seen in a heated sideline exchange - an emotional moment that sparked speculation about friction between the young quarterback and the veteran wideout. On a team searching for answers, that kind of visible tension can raise red flags about locker room cohesion and on-field chemistry.
The Browns, now 3-11 and sitting at the bottom of the AFC North, are in the midst of a three-game skid. While the team’s struggles aren’t solely on Sanders’ shoulders, the spotlight inevitably falls on the quarterback - especially when turnovers pile up and points are hard to come by.
Sanders’ journey to the starting job has been anything but conventional. He began the season as the third-string option behind rookie Dillon Gabriel and veteran Joe Flacco.
But after Gabriel was named the starter and Flacco was later traded to the Bengals, Sanders was elevated to the backup role. His opportunity came in Week 11 when Gabriel exited with a concussion during a loss to the Ravens.
Since then, head coach Kevin Stefanski has rolled with Sanders as the starter.
Now, with a string of tough performances, the question naturally shifts to whether Sanders will remain the QB1 down the stretch. When asked about the possibility of being benched, the rookie didn’t flinch.
“You know what league we in?” Sanders said.
“You could lose your job at any point of time. So you don’t play with fear.
When you live and play - if you’re not, like, when there, be yourself, you know.
“So, I don’t play or live in fear. Whatever situation I’m in, I’m in.
Whatever happens, it happens. But I live each moment and try to live each day to the fullest.”
It’s the kind of mindset you want from a young quarterback - confident, grounded, and aware of the stakes. But mindset alone won’t fix the Browns’ offensive woes. With three games left in the regular season and a tough matchup against the Bills looming next Sunday, Cleveland has little margin for error.
For Sanders, the challenge now is to grow through adversity, clean up the turnovers, and find some rhythm with a receiving corps that’s been out of sync. The talent is there - but in the NFL, potential only gets you so far. Execution is what keeps you on the field.