Continue the momentum through the air
QB Shedeur Sanders accomplished a feat in Week 14 against the Titans that no Browns quarterback since 1950 had ever done – he threw for more than 300 yards and recorded three passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown.
He will need to continue to build on his Week 14 performance against a Bears’ defense that gives up 224.8 passing yards per game, the 12th-most in the NFL. Despite being in the top half of NFL teams in passing yards allowed, their defense possesses the ability to create turnovers with 27 takeaways, including 18 interceptions this season. Sanders has three interceptions in four games played, including an interception in Week 14.
“I think when you’re approaching any week, I don’t think the intent is to ever throw interceptions,” Sanders said. “So, I don’t think – that’s a statistic that lets you know that they’re a good team. But I think when you approach each and every week, I think you know that the defenders are capable of catching an interception.”
In order to help Sanders stay turnover-free, his pass catchers have to get separation. TE Harold Fannin Jr. will be one of those pass catchers for Sanders, as Fannin has tallied 297 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 15 catches in Sanders’ three starts. Fannin recorded his first career 100-yard game, catching eight passes and a touchdown in Week 14.
“He’s just in the read, he’s open,” Sanders said. “I think you have to know everybody’s skillset and know what they do well in. Part of that is still positioning and having everybody fit your eye. Like the cut pass to Harold, that was a little later on, still caught it and still able to make a play. And as time goes on, we’ll be able to build that trust, build that chemistry.”
That chemistry with receivers like Fannin in Sanders’ fourth start will be crucial against a Chicago defense that knows how to create sudden change plays.