Browns Face Bears with History - and the Wind - Working Against Them
The Cleveland Browns head into a frigid Week 15 showdown against the Chicago Bears this afternoon, looking to do something they haven’t done in over five decades: win a game in Chicago. The last time the Browns walked out of the Windy City with a victory?
- And with wind chills expected to dip below zero, this one’s going to be as much about grit as it is about game plan.
But the elements aren’t the only thing working against Cleveland. The offensive line - already battered - is down to its last man standing from Week 1, and even that status is shaky.
Left guard Joel Bitonio, the veteran anchor of the group, is questionable with back and knee issues. If he can’t go, the Browns will be without all five of their original starters up front.
That’s a brutal hand to be dealt against a Bears defense that’s been quietly solid, especially at home.
Still, there’s a silver lining in the form of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. While last week didn’t end in a win, Sanders showed continued growth - particularly in his connection with tight end Harold Fannin Jr.
The chemistry between the two is starting to show up on tape, and even in a game where the air attack may be limited by the weather, Fannin is a name to watch, especially in the red zone. He’s becoming a reliable target when the field shrinks and the pressure ramps up.
The Browns’ focus remains clear: develop Sanders, evaluate the young talent, and try to stack some positives in a season that’s been anything but smooth. Injuries have riddled both sides of the ball, but the front office and coaching staff are committed to playing the long game with their rookie quarterback. That means giving him manageable reads, leaning on the run when possible, and letting him grow into the role without throwing too much on his plate too soon.
The roster continues to shift week to week. This weekend, the Browns waived rookie receiver Jamari Thrash and elevated two players from the practice squad. Offensive lineman Zak Zinter has officially been ruled out, further complicating the depth chart in the trenches.
On the defensive side, the buzz continues to build around Myles Garrett. With four games left, he needs just three sacks to break the NFL’s single-season record.
Garrett hasn’t let up despite signing a $40 million-a-year extension back in March. In his own words, “The money didn’t mean much to me.”
He’s chasing something bigger - legacy, history, and possibly Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Speaking of history, this Browns-Bears matchup has a few memorable moments, though they’ve been few and far between. One that still stands tall: Dub Jones’ six-touchdown performance in their first-ever meeting. That record still holds, a reminder that even in a series with limited fireworks, there’s always the potential for something unforgettable.
Off the field, the Browns are also facing a looming decision on quarterback Deshaun Watson. With Week 15 here and no move made yet, all eyes are on the front office as the deadline approaches.
Meanwhile, rookie mistakes - and the reliance on rookies in general - have made consistency hard to come by. That’s the reality of a team in transition, trying to build something sustainable with a young core.
Elsewhere around the league, the quarterback carousel keeps spinning. The Raiders will be without Geno Smith this week due to a shoulder injury, opening the door for Kenny Pickett to step in.
And in Indianapolis, it’s officially Philip Rivers time again. Just days after coming out of retirement, the veteran will start for the Colts against the Seahawks.
Dadgummit, indeed.
Back in Cleveland, the focus remains on Sanders. His rise from fourth on the depth chart to starter has been one of the few bright spots in a challenging season. He’s not in an easy spot - far from it - but he’s shown poise, progress, and the kind of upside that gives fans a reason to keep watching.
The Browns may be limping into Soldier Field, but they’re doing so with a clear mission: develop their quarterback, compete with who’s available, and maybe - just maybe - pull off a win that’s been 56 years in the making.