The Cleveland Browns suffered a lopsided 31-3 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, a game in which rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders struggled to find offensive rhythm throughout a frigid afternoon at Soldier Field.
Sanders completed 18 of 35 passes for 177 yards with multiple turnovers, as Cleveland’s offense was repeatedly stifled by Chicago’s defense in a performance that saw the Browns fall to 3-11 on the season and continue their downward slide in the AFC standings. Bears standout Caleb Williams spearheaded his team’s dominant showing, throwing for 242 yards and two touchdowns, while Cleveland was unable to sustain drives or consistently challenge the vaunted Bears front.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
After the game, Sanders addressed the result succinctly. Asked what he could make of the team’s performance, he said via The Athletic’s Zac Jackson:
“Just hard for us to get in rhythm, that’s all it was.”
While the result was discouraging, the outing came amid ongoing discussions about Sanders’ future and his role as the Browns’ quarterback.
Earlier on Sunday, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported that Sanders has a chance this season to solidify himself as Cleveland’s franchise QB based on how he finishes the 2025 campaign.
“My understanding is he does in fact has a chance to solidify himself as the Browns’ franchise quarterback based on how he plays over the next several games,” Rapoport said. “He has been efficient, they like his pocket movement.”
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay Morning with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: The #49ers close the door on Brandon Aiyuk but will have CMC today; #Browns QB Shedeur Sanders has a chance to become the franchise starter during this stretch; More on how Philip Rivers looked in practice. pic.twitter.com/3D8uB7PMFf
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 14, 2025
Sanders’ latest performance was a step back from his dominant 364-yard, three-touchdown performance in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Kevin Stefanski already confirmed that Sanders will remain the team’s starting quarterback for the rest of the season, giving him the opportunity to build continuity and demonstrate leadership in the final three games.
The Browns now turn their attention to Week 16, when they’ll host the Buffalo Bills (10-4) in another crucial divisional matchup. With Cleveland eliminated from playoff contention, the game offers Sanders a platform to continue developing and answer questions about his long-term future while competing against a talented Bills defense.
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