Dennis Allen’s Defense Set to Challenge Rookie Shedeur Sanders in Bears Showdown
As the Chicago Bears prepare to host the Cleveland Browns this Sunday, all eyes will be on rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Coming off a remarkable performance against the Tennessee Titans, where he threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns, Sanders faces a daunting test from Dennis Allen’s defense.
Experts Predict a Tough Day for Sanders
Despite his recent success, experts are not optimistic about Sanders replicating that level of performance against one of the most opportunistic defenses in the NFL. ESPN analyst Seth Walder made a bold prediction, forecasting that Sanders will struggle significantly in Chicago.
“Sanders will turn the ball over at least three times against the Bears,” Walder stated in his analysis of the upcoming matchups. He highlighted the Bears’ ability to force turnovers on a staggering 19% of opponents’ drives, a statistic that leads the league by a considerable margin. In contrast, Sanders currently holds the lowest quarterback rating (QBR) at 19.9 among all quarterbacks with over 100 pass attempts.
A Rook with Flaws
While Sanders has managed a passer rating of 80.9 over his first three starts, which is better than some might expect, he remains a rookie with notable areas for improvement. His QBR reflects the challenges he’s faced, particularly in his initial outings. Additionally, Pro Football Focus statistics reveal that Sanders ranks fifth in the highest percentage of turnover-worthy plays, with 4.8% among quarterbacks who have dropped back at least 100 times. Notably, his second start against the San Francisco 49ers was the only game in which he did not throw an interception.
The Bears’ Defensive Prowess
Although the Bears’ defense is not without its flaws—ranking 20th in expected points added (EPA) per play, 25th in points allowed, and 27th in yards given up—they have shown a knack for creating turnovers. With 27 takeaways, including 18 interceptions, they boast a surprisingly effective defensive unit that can capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
Given Sanders’ propensity for errors, he is likely to provide ample opportunities for the Bears to make plays. As long as the Chicago defense can capitalize on these chances and ensure that star pass rusher Myles Garrett doesn’t dominate the game, they should find themselves in a favorable position.
Looking Ahead
This matchup presents a pivotal moment for Sanders as he navigates the complexities of NFL defenses. With the Bears lurking, ready to pounce on any missteps, it will be intriguing to see how he adapts and performs under pressure. As the game unfolds, the dynamics between a rookie quarterback and a turnover-hungry defense will undoubtedly shape the narrative of this contest.
