The scoreboard at Soldier Field read 31-3, a testament to the Chicago Bears’ complete dismantling of the Cleveland Browns. But as the snow settled and the cameras turned to the post-game podium, the story ceased to be about the lopsided score. Instead, it became about a singular moment of raw, unfiltered leadership from one of the NFL’s most dominant forces.

Myles Garrett, the Browns’ perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, didn’t just field questions; he went to war. In a press conference that will likely be replayed for years, Garrett unleashed a fiery defense of his rookie quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, and launched a blistering attack on the media narratives he claims are “manufacturing drama” and “twisting facts.”

The Breaking Point

The backdrop for Garrett’s explosion was a nightmare afternoon for the Browns’ offense. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders finished the day with meager stats: 18 of 35 for 177 yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions. He was sacked five times, battered, bruised, and left running for his life on nearly every snap.

Predictably, the immediate media reaction was to pin the loss squarely on Sanders’ shoulders. Headlines questioned his readiness, his processing speed, and his future as a starter. For Garrett, this was the final straw.

Stepping to the podium with visible fire in his eyes, Garrett accused the media of “lazy, irresponsible journalism.” He pointed out that while reporters were busy tweeting about Sanders holding the ball too long, the game film showed a quarterback getting hit in under two seconds—a situation no signal-caller, rookie or veteran, could survive.

“He’s trying to navigate one of the most difficult situations any rookie has ever faced,” Garrett stated, his voice cutting through the room. He slammed the narrative that Sanders was making mental errors, noting that you can’t have “mental errors” when you don’t even have time to finish a three-step drop.

The Caleb Williams Double Standard

One of the most poignant parts of Garrett’s defense was his comparison of Sanders to the man on the other sideline, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.

Williams, the number one overall pick, had a stellar day, throwing for 242 yards and two touchdowns. However, Garrett reminded the room that earlier in the season, when Williams struggled, the narrative was one of patience. The media spoke of “growing pains” and the need for a better supporting cast. Williams was given grace.

“Nobody was calling for Williams to be benched,” Garrett argued. “But when Shedeur struggles in an even worse situation… suddenly it’s about his toughness? It’s about his mental processing?”

Garrett highlighted a glaring double standard: Williams is praised for overcoming adversity, while Sanders is crucified for drowning in organizational dysfunction. The Browns’ offensive line is decimated by injuries, the play-calling has been questionable at best, and the receiving corps ranks among the worst in separation. Yet, the blame is consistently shoveled onto the 22-year-old quarterback.

Calling Out the “Lies”

Garrett didn’t just speak in generalities; he got specific. He referenced reports claiming Sanders missed “wide-open” receivers.

“When you actually watch the plays,” Garrett countered, “those receivers either weren’t open, or he was on his back before they made their break.”

He also addressed the weather. The game was played in brutal conditions—low 20s with fierce wind gusts. Caleb Williams practices in these conditions daily. Sanders, who hasn’t had extensive experience in Chicago’s notorious winter weather, was at a significant disadvantage. To ignore this context, Garrett argued, is “deliberate dishonesty.”

A Leader Steps Up

This wasn’t just a player venting frustration; it was a calculated move by a team leader trying to save his quarterback’s confidence. Sanders has been under siege since the day he was drafted, dealing with questions about his father, his “flashy” lifestyle, and now, his ability to play in the NFL.

Garrett knows the psychological toll this takes. He spoke about the mental pressure of playing “not to lose,” where a quarterback is so terrified of the next negative headline that they stop taking risks. By publicly putting his own reputation on the line to shield Sanders, Garrett sent a powerful message to the locker room: We are a team, and we won’t let the outside noise divide us.

The “Dysfunction” in Cleveland

Garrett’s comments also inadvertently shone a spotlight on the chaos within the Browns organization. He alluded to the mid-season firing of the head coach, the inconsistent offensive coordinator situation, and the mixed signals from the front office regarding their commitment to Sanders.

How is a rookie supposed to develop when the ground beneath him is constantly shifting?

The Browns are an organization in turmoil. They have a roster that should be competing for championships but is instead fighting for respectability. In this environment, Sanders has been asked to be a savior. Instead, he has become a scapegoat.

The Verdict

Myles Garrett’s defense of Shedeur Sanders is a wake-up call. It challenges us to look beyond the box score and understand the context of the game. It demands that we hold media accountable for the narratives they spin. And most importantly, it reminds us that football is a team sport.

Shedeur Sanders may have had a bad game, but he didn’t lose it alone. He lost it behind a porous line, in freezing winds, within a system that set him up to fail. As long as Myles Garrett is around, however, he won’t have to face the firing squad alone. The question now is whether the rest of the organization—and the media—will listen to the truth Garrett just delivered.