Chicago Bears dominate Cleveland Browns in lopsided 31-3 affair
The Chicago Bears, regarded as one of the NFL’s elite teams, showcased their strength in Cleveland, delivering a decisive 31-3 victory over the struggling Browns. The Bears excelled across all facets of the game, leaving Cleveland reeling from a performance that dropped their season record to 3-11. Here are three key takeaways from the Browns’ disheartening loss.
Disarray from the outset hampers offensive execution
From the opening whistle, chaos enveloped the Browns’ offense. Communication breakdowns were evident as the team found itself with 12 players on the field during the second play. Head coach Kevin Stefanski, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, and quarterback Shedeur Sanders struggled to synchronize their efforts. A particularly telling moment occurred when, after a lengthy delay, Stefanski and Sanders had to sprint to each other to finalize a play call, illustrating the extent of their disarray.
Sanders’ difficulties in relaying the play in the huddle resulted in a delay of game penalty. After switching his wristband with the play calls, the offense gradually found its footing, yet by then, the damage was already done. The Bears capitalized on the Browns’ confusion, scoring two quick touchdowns to establish a commanding 14-0 lead while Cleveland failed to register a single first down.
Offensive woes reflect a team in turmoil
The Browns’ offense delivered one of its most dismal performances of the season, with blame shared across the board. The offensive line, already hampered by injuries, was further compromised as key players like Jack Conklin, Wyatt Teller, and Ethan Pocic were sidelined. Teven Jenkins exited the contest early, and with Zak Zinter a healthy scratch, the remaining line struggled to protect Sanders or open running lanes.
Quinshon Judkins faced relentless pressure, averaging under two yards per carry with nine attempts for just 16 yards. The passing game was equally lackluster, marked by poor routes and untimely drops. Harold Fannin Jr., a reliable target throughout the season, faltered with a few crucial misses. Jerry Jeudy’s potential touchdown catch slipped through his fingers and was intercepted by the Bears, compounding the Browns’ troubles.
As for Sanders, his regression was stark. Despite showing promise the previous week, he faltered under pressure, finishing with 18 completions on 35 attempts for 177 yards and three interceptions. Even in a challenging environment, those numbers are troubling. However, there was a silver lining in his connection with Isaiah Bond, who recorded 89 yards on deep receptions, showcasing a growing rapport between the two.
Defensive struggles compound the Browns’ issues
The absence of star cornerback Denzel Ward was a significant blow to the Browns’ defense, which struggled to contain the Bears. The secondary faltered, as both Myles Harden and Tyson Campbell surrendered touchdowns to a confident Caleb Williams. Chicago’s ground game was equally effective, averaging nearly five yards per carry, with Carson Schwesinger once again racking up double-digit tackles.
While the defensive line made some noteworthy plays, the overall performance was underwhelming. The Bears’ offense simply overpowered the Browns, demonstrating a clear disparity in execution. One bright spot for Cleveland was Myles Garrett, who recorded 1.5 sacks, bringing him within one sack of tying the NFL record. As the season draws to a close, questions loom about the Browns’ resilience and ability to regroup.
