Stefanski Stands by Shedeur Sanders After Blowout Loss to Chicago Bears
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns suffered a demoralizing 31-3 defeat at the hands of the Chicago Bears in freezing temperatures at Soldier Field during Week 15. The loss highlighted significant struggles in both execution and fight, with much of the blame falling on quarterback Shedeur Sanders and head coach Kevin Stefanski.
After an impressive Week 14 performance against the Tennessee Titans, where Sanders threw for 364 yards, three passing touchdowns, and added a rushing score, expectations were high. However, Sanders struggled mightily against the Bears, completing just 18 of 35 passes for 177 yards and throwing three interceptions. Additionally, Chicago’s defense applied constant pressure, sacking Sanders five times and disrupting the Browns’ offensive rhythm.
Following the game, reporters pressed Stefanski on whether Sanders would remain the starting quarterback for the final three weeks of the season, given the poor performance against Chicago. In a one-word response, Stefanski simply said, “Yes.” He declined to provide further elaboration or explanation regarding what contributed to Sanders’ struggles.
Stefanski did, however, acknowledge that both the team and Sanders have areas to improve. “I know there’s things that we can do better, I know there’s things that he can do better,” Stefanski said. “We’ll look at it.” His statement indicated that while accountability is recognized, the coaching staff intends to work on solutions rather than make immediate changes to the quarterback position.
The blowout loss serves as a wake-up call for the Browns as they approach the final stretch of the season. The team will need to correct both mental lapses and execution errors if they hope to remain competitive. Offensive line protection, decision-making under pressure, and overall game management will be key areas of focus in the coming weeks.
Sanders’ future as the starting quarterback appears secure for now, despite the rough outing. Stefanski’s confidence in his young quarterback suggests a belief in his talent and potential, even in the face of adversity. Analysts and fans will be watching closely to see if Sanders can bounce back and lead the team effectively in the closing games of the season.
With three games remaining, the Browns face a critical period to regain momentum, improve performance, and rebuild confidence. Both Sanders and the coaching staff will need to demonstrate resilience and adaptability to finish the season strong and prepare for the challenges ahead in the offseason.
