The Cleveland Browns endured a brutal opening half against the Chicago Bears at frigid Soldier Field, and rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders found himself on the wrong side of one of the team’s lowest offensive stats this season.
This comes in the same week that head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Sanders would remain the starting QB for the rest of the season.
Browns Hit Season Low vs Bears With Shedeur Sanders
The Browns, led by Sanders at center, hit a season low after what unfolded in the first 30 minutes, as they were overwhelmed by a sharp Bears unit.
As reported by ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, “From ESPN Research: The Browns’ 57 yards are their fewest yards in any half this season and fewest since Week 9 of last season vs Chargers (57 in first half),” he wrote on X.
“One first down is their fewest in any half this season and fewest since Week 1 of last season vs Cowboys (one in first half),” Oyefusi added.
From ESPN Research: The Browns’ 57 yards are their fewest yards in any half this season and fewest since Week 9 of last season vs Chargers (57 in first half).
One first down is their fewest in any half this season and fewest since Week 1 of last season vs Cowboys (1 in first…
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) December 14, 2025
The Browns ran only 18 offensive plays in the first half, a staggering indicator of how thoroughly the Bears controlled possession and tempo on the field.
Chicago seized command early with back-to-back touchdown drives, jumping out to a 14-0 lead and putting the Browns immediately on the defensive. Caleb Williams kicked off the Bears’ second scoring drive with a three-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore, firing a play-action dart into the back of the end zone.
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The biggest highlight of the drive came earlier, when Luther Burden hauled in a 40-yard reception, setting up for a seven-play, 80-yard march that showcased Chicago’s explosiveness against a depleted Cleveland unit.
No. 21 for Myles Garrett 💪
CLEvsCHI on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/S4Onp9j0H6
— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025
Cleveland’s injury-riddled offensive line struggled to handle Chicago’s pressure and discipline. The Browns offense continues to be ranked at the bottom of PFSN’s Offense Impact (OFFi) rankings with a 54.4 score and an ‘F’ grade.
With little room to establish the run and limited time to throw, Sanders was repeatedly forced into difficult situations, and the drives stalled almost immediately.
While the offense sputtered, Myles Garrett recorded his 21st sack of the season, killing a Bears drive and forcing them to settle for a missed field goal. The sack moved Garrett within two of breaking the NFL’s single-season sack record of 22.5, providing a brief reminder of Cleveland’s defensive star power in what was otherwise a lopsided half.
