Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson recently addressed the media on his team’s upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns, which he said his team “desperately” needs to win to remain on track for a potential playoff spot.
The Browns feature rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is visiting Soldier Field and looking to bounce back after a controversial play by his coaching staff seemingly cost them the game. That failed two-point conversion fiasco aside, Sanders had his best performance as a professional player.
Johnson called the Browns “dangerous” with Sanders as quarterback, praising his ability to extend plays and “creating on his own.”
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“He’s doing a great job as a rookie. He’s able to sit in and soak in that offense over the course of the spring and summer, and early in the season, you can tell that’s probably benefited him to a degree, because now he’s able to go out there and let it loose,” Johnson said.
Despite recent opinions to the contrary, Johnson didn’t hesitate to praise Sanders’ coach, Kevin Stefanski, for doing a “phenomenal job” of helping his young quarterbacks develop in the system.
“Last three weeks, you feel a little bit of a spark there on offense with Shadeur out there,” Johnson told reporters.
Chicago’s defense hasn’t necessarily been that impressive this season, and therefore, they’ll need to be extra aware of the Browns’ rookie quarterback. In the loss to the Titans, Sanders finished with 364 yards and three touchdowns, with two sacks and an interception his only issues.
He displayed his dangerous abilities by also scoring a rushing touchdown to try to help his team win. However, the Titans defeated them 31-29, with many focusing on a two-point conversion attempt that went wrong. Sanders was not part of that play.
Ben Johnson realizes the importance of working with a young quarterback to allow them to develop in the system. Many have mentioned that Johnson has found a way to work with Caleb Williams, who some individuals were ready to write off as a bust after becoming a No. 1 pick for the Bears.
While the Browns have some tough defenders, including star Myles Garrett, the Bears won’t be overlooking Cleveland’s young quarterback. With the Bears at 9-4 and currently projected for the playoffs, Johnson indicated Sunday’s game is one they must win to remain in that playoff picture.
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