Browns record three key giveaways in loss to the Bears

Browns total three giveaways against the Bears

Entering Week 15, the Browns knew the defense they were facing and their ability to create takeaways, as the Bears led the league with 27 takeaways – including 18 interceptions.

However, Cleveland had three key giveaways in the second half of the game in the form of three interceptions. The Bears capitalized on all three interceptions to add points to their lead with two touchdowns and one field goal, totaling a season-best 17 points for Chicago.

“We know that team is good at taking the ball away, particularly in intercepting the ball, so we’ll learn from those,” Stefanski said.

In the third quarter, QB Shedeur Sanders threw a short pass intended for TE Harold Fannin Jr. However, the ball was tipped by LB D’Marco Jackson, who then came down with the ball for the interception. On the Bears’ first offensive play following the interception, QB Caleb Williams connected with WR DJ Moore for a 22-yard touchdown pass.

On the Browns’ next offensive possession, the Browns moved down the field with a big gain on a deep pass from Sanders to WR Isaiah Bond for 47 yards. However, three plays later, Sanders through a deep pass intended for WR Jerry Jeudy in the end zone, but CB Jaylon Johnson picked off the pass as the ball fell through Jeudy’s arms. Chicago then moved down the field with a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that was finished by a 17-yard touchdown run by RB D’Andre Swift.

“Obviously we’re trying to make a play there in that moment, trying to get on the board,” Stefanski said. “Their guy made a good play.”

The third interception came in the fourth quarter, as Sanders looked deep for Fannin, his pass was picked off by DB Gardner-Johnson, who returned the ball for 32 yards. The Bears then kicked a 41-yard field goal on the ensuing offensive possession to seal the game at 31-3.

“I would like to have a majority of plays back for sure,” Sanders said. “They had a great defensive scheme. I enjoyed playing against them. I enjoyed playing in that. It was definitely a little challenge, so I look forward to learning from that and look forward to understanding exactly how things were on film and just be able to learn from it.”

The three giveaways tie the most the Browns have had in a game this season, as the Browns also totaled three turnovers in Week 5 against the Lions.