Dillon Gabriel has been the target of harsh criticism from both analysts and Cleveland Browns fans after delivering a series of disappointing performances in every game he has started since being promoted to QB1 in Week 5.
His most recent outing came in Week 10 against the New York Jets, where he once again looked out of rhythm with his teammates and was unable to generate any sign that he can lead the Browns out of their current slump. Against the Jets, he completed 17 of 32 passes for 167 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Still, the team’s offense remains stagnant. After the game, head coach Kevin Stefanski reaffirmed his faith in Gabriel during his press conference, making it clear that he would remain the starter, almost regardless of the outcome.
Gabriel’s completion percentage stands at 58.6%, the second worst among starting quarterbacks in the league, ranking just above rookie Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans.
Gabriel knows what to do to keep his job with the Browns
On Wednesday, November 12, the young quarterback addressed the media about the ongoing rumors surrounding his future and the potential challenge from Shedeur Sanders.
Not overthinking it, but you just miss. Sometimes you miss,” Gabriel said. “You want to eliminate as many as you can. Definitely when you lose, it’s magnified. I think you’re always going to continue to work on that, and that’s something you want to pride yourself on, making those throws.
It’s striving for every inch and being able to catch runners and allow them to get more receiving yards after the catch,” he added. “So being accurate in that way and then giving guys a chance.
Gabriel’s completion rate drops below 45% when targeting receivers on deep routes, one of several factors that make him statistically one of the least effective options currently available for Cleveland. Still, Stefanski seems fully committed to his quarterback and has no intention of making a change.
It appears that Gabriel often throws with excessive caution, avoiding risky passes that could be intercepted, a tendency that results in a high number of incompletions.
I would just caution, to any quarterback, young and old, you’re going to miss throws.”…”It’s an occupational hazard that you’re likely not going to go 100 percent completion percentage.
Stefanski said.
Now, having said that, you coach every throw, and you say, ‘hey, use your technique here or trust what you’re seeing here,’ all those things.
He explained.
There are things that I know Dillon can do better and will do better as a young quarterback.”…”And I know there are things that we as a staff can do better in putting our guys in position.
Stefanski concluded.
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