Shedeur Sanders Struggles in Blowout Loss, But One Moment Stands Out
Shedeur Sanders had his worst game as a pro, but it’s not quite what you think.
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) December 16, 2025
Not a good look to your teammates when you show zero effort after an INT though. https://t.co/7YSGl99Hyg pic.twitter.com/C3FzntsStT
Shedeur Sanders’ fourth NFL start was one he’ll want to move on from quickly. The Browns’ rookie quarterback had a rough outing in a 31-3 loss to the Bears, a game that exposed both individual and team-wide struggles.
Sanders finished without a touchdown pass, threw three interceptions, and completed just over half of his attempts while being sacked five times. But amid the growing pains, one particular moment has drawn attention-not for what Sanders did, but for what he didn’t do.
Let’s start with the obvious: this was a game where the Browns were simply outmatched. The Bears looked sharper in just about every phase-offense, defense, and effort.
Cleveland couldn’t find rhythm, and Sanders, like many rookie quarterbacks before him, looked overwhelmed at times. That’s not unexpected.
What’s raising eyebrows, though, is a sequence in the third quarter that speaks less to skill and more to situational awareness and effort.
Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel broke down the play on social media, zeroing in on Sanders’ first interception of the day. It came early in the third quarter, deep in the Browns’ own territory.
The throw itself? Not great, but not catastrophic either-tight coverage by the Bears, a misread maybe, but one that happens to young quarterbacks.
What happened next, however, is what’s getting talked about.
As Bears linebacker D’Marco Jackson picked off the pass and started heading the other way, the Browns’ offense sprang into action. Linemen, receivers, even backs-everyone turned and hustled to prevent a defensive score.
Everyone, that is, except Sanders. He remained frozen in the pocket, watching the play unfold without taking a step.
Daniel didn’t mince words in his breakdown: “After the interception, what are you taught as a quarterback? To not stand there.
He is the only guy to move to chase. Every other guy is chasing, I promise you that's getting talked about.”
And he’s not wrong. Quarterbacks aren’t expected to bring down linebackers in the open field, but they are expected to try.
It’s about leadership, effort, and setting the tone. Daniel’s point wasn’t about the pick-it was about the optics of a young quarterback watching while his teammates scramble to clean up the mess.
It’s the kind of moment that gets noticed in film rooms. Not because it cost the team points-though it easily could have-but because it sends a message.
Veterans know that. Coaches definitely know that.
And Sanders, still early in his NFL journey, is going to learn it too.
To be fair, Sanders isn’t the first young quarterback to get caught in a moment like this. But comparisons are already being made.
Earlier this season, Bears rookie Caleb Williams threw a pick against the Eagles and was immediately seen sprinting back to make a tackle attempt. Patrick Mahomes-yes, that Patrick Mahomes-has done the same, even if the tackle didn’t land.
It’s not about the result, it’s about the response.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski likely won’t be thrilled with Sanders’ body language on that play. But this is a teachable moment, plain and simple.
Sanders has the tools-arm strength, poise, and the football IQ that got him to this level. What he’s learning now is what separates a talented quarterback from a trusted leader: the little things, the effort plays, the reactions when things go wrong.
Wow. What a stark contrast from Caleb, who immediately tackled Jalyn Hunt by himself after he intercepted him (below)
— Kirsten Tanis (@Kirsten_Tanis1) December 16, 2025
I can’t recall the last time I saw a QB throw a pick and just stand there nonchalantly like Shedeur. https://t.co/A7Fb4VMeKW
With Sanders locked in as the Browns’ starter for the remainder of the season, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow. That starts this coming Sunday in a tough matchup against a Bills defense that knows how to pressure quarterbacks and punish mistakes. It’s a big test, but also a chance for Sanders to show he’s learning, adjusting, and ready to lead-not just with his arm, but with his actions.