Shedeur Sanders' Overthrow in Wind Discussed by the Cleveland Browns Analysts

In the Cleveland Browns’ preseason matchup against the Chicago Bears, a single play involving rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has become a focal point for local analysts: an overthrown deep pass in heavy wind that sailed past an open wide receiver, squandering a potential scoring opportunity. The moment, which occurred in the third quarter with the Browns trailing by 7, wasn’t just a missed play—it sparked a broader conversation about how young quarterbacks adapt to adverse weather conditions, the nuances of adjusting pass strength for wind, and whether the mistake signals a need for more practice in variable conditions. Shedeur Sanders' Overthrow in Wind Discussed by the Cleveland Browns Analysts dives into the different perspectives from local football experts, the technical breakdown of the play, and why this seemingly small error has become a talking point for Browns fans and analysts alike. For a franchise looking to develop Sanders as a future backup or potential starter, the discussion isn’t just about one pass—it’s about preparing him to handle the unpredictable challenges of NFL games.

Shedeur Sanders' Overthrow in Wind Discussed by the Cleveland Browns Analysts begins with a detailed recount of the play itself, as described by analysts who’ve rewatched the footage. With winds gusting up to 22 mph at Soldier Field, Sanders dropped back on a second-and-10 from the Bears’ 45-yard line. The Browns’ playcall was a deep post route to rookie receiver David Bell, who had beaten his defender and was open by 5 yards in the end zone. Sanders, however, released the pass with too much force—likely overcompensating for the headwind—and the ball sailed 3 yards over Bell’s outstretched hands. “You could see him lean into the throw too hard,” says Tony Grossi, a longtime Browns beat writer for Cleveland.com. “The wind was blowing straight at him, so he needed to take some off the pass, not add more. It’s a common mistake for young QBs—they think more force will cut through wind, but it actually makes the ball harder to control.” Other analysts, like 92.3 The Fan’s Dustin Fox, noted that Sanders had time to adjust: he held the ball for 2.8 seconds, enough to read the wind and tweak his throw. “He didn’t hesitate, which is good, but he also didn’t adapt,” Fox said on his podcast. “That’s the difference between NFL QBs and college QBs—knowing how to change your throw based on what the weather’s doing, even in the middle of a play.”

A key part of the analysts’ discussion centers on the technical aspects of passing in wind, and where Sanders went wrong. Former NFL quarterback and current Browns radio analyst Bernie Kosar broke down the play frame-by-frame, pointing out Sanders’ body mechanics. “When you’re throwing into a headwind, you need to shorten your throwing motion, keep your arm angle lower, and use your core to control the pass— not just your arm,” Kosar explained. “Sanders did the opposite: he lengthened his motion, raised his arm high, and used a full arm swing, which gave the wind more surface area to push against the ball. That’s why it sailed.” Kosar also compared the throw to a similar pass made by Browns starter Deshaun Watson earlier in the game—Watson had thrown a 30-yard pass into the same wind, but he adjusted his mechanics, resulting in a completion. “Watson didn’t throw as hard, but he put a tighter spiral on the ball and aimed slightly lower, so the wind didn’t catch it,” Kosar said. “That’s the muscle memory you build over years in the league, and Sanders is still learning that.” Analysts also noted that the overthrow wasn’t an isolated issue—Sanders completed just 57% of his passes in windy conditions during his college career at Colorado, a statistic that has now become relevant as he transitions to the NFL.

Shedeur Sanders' Overthrow in Wind Discussed by the Cleveland Browns Analysts also explores whether the Browns’ coaching staff bears any responsibility for the mistake, and if more practice in adverse conditions is needed. Mary Kay Cabot, another Browns beat writer for Cleveland.com, pointed out that the team’s preseason practice schedule included only two sessions in wind speeds above 15 mph—far fewer than teams in colder, windier cities like Buffalo or Green Bay. “The Browns practice in a covered facility most of the time, which is great for consistency, but it doesn’t prepare QBs for games like this,” Cabot said. “If you’re going to develop Sanders, you need to take him outside when the wind’s blowing, let him throw 50 deep passes, and teach him how to adjust.” For the Cleveland Browns, this criticism hits close to home: the team plays in Northeast Ohio, where wind and cold are common during the regular season, especially in November and December. Analysts argue that failing to practice in such conditions puts young players like Sanders at a disadvantage when games move outdoors. “They can’t just practice in perfect weather and expect him to perform when it’s windy,” says Fox. “That’s a coaching decision, and it’s one they need to fix if they want Sanders to be ready when called upon.”

Another angle of the discussion is whether the overthrow should be a cause for concern, or just a learning moment for a rookie. Most analysts agree that while the mistake is notable, it’s not a red flag—instead, it’s a teachable opportunity. “Every young QB makes weather-related mistakes,” Grossi said. “Tom Brady overthrew passes in wind early in his career. Aaron Rodgers did too. The key is whether they learn from it.” Analysts pointed to Sanders’ post-game reaction as a positive sign: he watched film of the play with quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt immediately after the game, asking questions about how to adjust his mechanics for wind. “He didn’t brush it off—he wanted to know what he did wrong,” Van Pelt told reporters. “That’s the kind of attitude you want from a developing player.” For the Cleveland Browns, this willingness to learn is crucial. With Watson as the starter, Sanders’ role this season will likely be limited to backup duties, but the team hopes he can grow into a reliable option in case of injury. “This overthrow isn’t something to panic about,” Kosar said. “It’s something to build on. Teach him how to throw in wind, practice it more, and he’ll get better.”

Shedeur Sanders' Overthrow in Wind Discussed by the Cleveland Browns Analysts concludes with the broader takeaway from the conversation: that small, weather-related mistakes are part of a young quarterback’s development, but addressing them proactively is key to long-term success. Analysts predict that the Browns will adjust their practice schedule to include more sessions in adverse weather, and that Sanders will spend extra time working with Van Pelt on wind-adjustment techniques. “This play didn’t cost them the game—it was a preseason game, after all,” Grossi said. “But it did give them a roadmap for how to make Sanders a better QB. That’s the silver lining.” For the Cleveland Browns, the discussion around the overthrow is a reminder that developing young talent requires attention to detail—even the details as small as adjusting a pass for wind. As Sanders continues to learn the ropes of the NFL, moments like this will shape his growth, and the team’s ability to support him through those moments will determine whether he becomes a valuable asset in the future. In the end, the overthrow isn’t just a missed pass—it’s a step in the process of turning a college standout into an NFL-ready quarterback.