NFL fans lit up social media on Sunday after a head-scratching officiating decision during the Browns-Bears matchup. The ruling came during Cleveland’s disappointing first-half performance, but it was the refs who drew the most heat.
Officials blew the whistle on what appeared to be a live-ball fumble by Shedeur Sanders late in the second quarter. Instead of turning possession over to Chicago, the call kept the ball with Cleveland, claiming the rookie’s forward progress was stopped.
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Sanders faced third down deep in Bears territory when the play unfolded. He scrambled under pressure before going down, losing control of the football. The whistle sparked reactions from fans on X.
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“Pathetic call. He was moving forward,” one fan wrote.
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“Stupid rule,” a fan tweeted.
“Forward progress is 100% random, they might as well spin a wheel before they decide to call it,” another fan wrote.
The reactions kept coming.
“That’s a bad call. Have seen way longer leeway given for being in the grasp,” a fan said.
“Rotten call yet again by the cheaters,” one fan commented.
“The Zebra show needs to be cancelled,” another fan said.
The Browns couldn’t capitalize, punting after a 9-yard loss pushed them out of field-goal range.
Shedeur Sanders battles freezing temps in Chicago
The disputed whistle came amid a nightmare opening half for Shedeur Sanders, who made his fourth career start. He connected on just four passes for 54 yards and was sacked twice.
Cleveland’s offense managed one first down before intermission. Sanders connected with Isaiah Bond on a 42-yard deep shot, which was the Browns’ only scoring threat.
Game-day temperatures hit five degrees, with wind chill making it feel like minus-nine. Sanders will need a major turnaround after the break for Cleveland to avoid going 1-3 with him leading the offense.
Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez
