The Cleveland Browns appear ready to hand Dillon Gabriel the starting quarterback role, a move that could ultimately benefit his fellow rookie, Shedeur Sanders, as Joe Flacco heads to the bench.
As the team struggles offensively with a 1-3 start, the decision to bench the 40-year-old veteran may open opportunities for evaluating the upside of both young quarterbacks to truly begin their NFL careers.
The Browns have averaged only 14 points per game and have failed to surpass 17 points in any matchup this season with a QB under center that has tossed six interceptions with just two touchdowns.
With an unspectacular 60.3% pass completion rate, the need for a quarterback change has become increasingly apparent, and it seems as though head coach Kevin Stefanski is ready to pull the trigger.
“The current belief is that the #Browns are going to make a change at quarterback,” Matt Zenitz posted to X.com, formerly Twitter. “And start rookie Dillon Gabriel this week vs. the Vikings, sources tell @CBSSports.”
While Gabriel will get the start, the matchup presents a significant challenge. The Vikings boast a top-ten defense that limits opponents to just 20 points per game, coordinated by Brian Flores.
With one of the league’s most effective defensive strategists, the pressure could expose weaknesses in Gabriel, particularly behind a struggling offensive line.
If he fails to impress on Sunday, then could Sanders quickly find himself moving from third on the depth chart to the starter? The ex-Colorado Buffaloes star had mixed preseason results, showing flashes of accuracy and poise despite limited reps.
But there is definitely talent there after he passed for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in the 2024 NCAA campaign, maintaining a 74% pass completion rate at Folsom Field whilst working alongside his father, and demonstrating leadership skills that could translate quickly to the professional level.
Moreover, Sanders brings mobility and a quick release that may provide the Browns with an element they haven’t seen consistently this season, an ability to extend plays and make defenses adjust.
Evaluating Sanders now could also help the coaching staff understand his fit within Stefanski‘s system and whether he could become a long-term solution under center.
Cleveland Browns Week 5 game: Who would Dillon Gabriel play in potential first start?
In Week 5, Dillon Gabriel is set to start against the Minnesota Vikings in London, a game that will test his ability to handle a top-seven ranked defense on October 5.
Meanwhile, the Browns continue to seek consistency on offense after Flacco‘s red zone struggles, as the matchup will also provide a benchmark for the coaching staff to evaluate how both quarterbacks fare.
Can Gabriel handle the high-pressure situations, shaping future decisions on starting roles? Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if he can overcome the defensive schemes, command the huddle effectively, and minimize turnovers against one of the league’s toughest defensive units.
The game kicks off at 09:30 ET / 06:30 PT on NFL Network, with streaming available via NFL+ and Fubo, giving nationwide audiences a chance to see how the Browns’ quarterback situation unfolds.
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