Shedeur Sanders isn’t scared of losing his job (and it shows)

While the Cleveland Browns struggled mightily in their latest contest against the Chicago Bears, Shedeur Sanders has been unequivocal that he will not play in fear as he closes out the season as Kevin Stefanski's starting QB. The rookie has had a unique NFL experience to this point, and it's becoming apparent that he may truly just be built differently.

Now, I'm not saying he's a franchise quarterback or anything to that effect. I am saying that it's impressive that someone who has seen such an intense microscope placed on him from a young age — it can't be easy having Deion Sanders as your father — has been able to keep it together in what has likely been the most adverse situation of his football journey.

Imagine trying to accomplish your goals and achieve your dreams in front of millions of people. Every failure, every misstep, is unmistakably cataloged in the annals of NFL history for the rest of eternity. Now, this is no different from any other player, but there is a noticeable difference as it relates to Sanders.

Whether it's his father, his attitude, his flashy nature, or the simple fact that he is not the least bit afraid to be his authentic self, the media gravitates to this dude. As the saying goes, pressure can burst pipes — or it can make diamonds.

While it's far too soon to say what Sanders will be as an NFL player, it is abundantly clear that nothing will break him — not falling to the fifth round, not being the fourth-string quarterback in training camp, and most certainly not getting his tail kicked behind a porous offensive line on one of the NFL's worst offenses.

Shedeur Sanders should approach the season's end with zero restraint

Sanders has every reason to play the final three games of the year without any fear. We saw what Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel could do with this offense, and it didn't move the needle. Sanders is auditioning for the Browns, as well as the NFL's 31 other franchises, to prove he belongs in the league.

His response Sunday to a question on feeling reassured about his current status as QB1 hit the nail on the head.

"You know what league we in? You could lose your job at any point in time," Sanders said. "So you don't play with fear. When you live and play in fear, then you'll never be yourself. So I don't play or live in fear. Whatever situation I'm in, I'm in. Whatever happens, it happens, you know? But I live each moment and I try to live each day to the fullest. So never live in worry or fear."

Since Sanders took the reins, the Browns have had some of their best offensive performances of the season. Notably, the explosive play has been re-added to the Browns' menu. The anemic nature of the offense had reached a boiling point, but Sanders has actually challenged defenses. In the Browns' last five games, they have "jumped" to 22nd in explosive play rate, according to TeamRankings. Prior to him taking over, they were ranked 31st.

What's more, Dillon Gabriel remains the league's least aggressive passer this season, ranking 61st out of 61 qualifiers in deep throw rate. Sanders ranks second in the league among quarterbacks who have played considerable snaps in that department, per stat rankings. It seems to resonate with Shedeur that you have to risk it for the biscuit.

So, when this brash signal-caller tells you he's fearless, it's best to believe him... and grab your popcorn, because whatever is about to happen is sure to be entertaining.