The quarterback situation in Cleveland has turned into a never-ending soap opera that began in preseason and has yet to be resolved, even though a couple of the original contenders are no longer on the team, such as Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. Now only Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, and the veteran Bailey Zappe remain. However, Gabriel is currently in the concussion protocol, which opens the door for Sanders.
Shedeur Sanders was selected in the fifth round of this year’s NFL Draft, and since preseason he has always been Kevin Stefanski’s last option. Even his standout game against the Carolina Panthers – where he threw two touchdown passes – only happened because Pickett and Gabriel were injured at the time.
Despite his strong performance – even LeBron James congratulated him on social media – Sanders continued to be overlooked as soon as the injured quarterbacks returned, especially Dillon Gabriel. Now, after being a fifth-rounder, then fourth-string, he will finally start for the Cleveland Browns in this upcoming game.
Shedeur Sanders could end Dillon Gabriel’s time in Cleveland
There is no doubt that since Dillon Gabriel became the starting quarterback in Week 5, he has created doubts and has looked like he may not have NFL-level talent. He has only one win, and that victory was the result of other factors, such as the strong running game led by Quinshon Judkins. The offense led by the former Oregon Ducks quarterback has looked stalled.
In last Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, before leaving with a concussion, Gabriel threw for only 68 passing yards. The Browns were ahead only because their defense – one of the best in the NFL – spent the entire afternoon pressuring Lamar Jackson. There is not much reason for optimism with Gabriel.
Now Shedeur Sanders has his opportunity, and a strong performance from the former Colorado Buffaloes star could determine Gabriel’s future. “To me it’s obvious – if Shedeur plays well, that’s it for the Dillon Gabriel experience,” said Ken Carman on 92.3 The Fan.
It is a crucial game for the Browns, for Kevin Stefanski’s project, which is under pressure, but above all for Shedeur Sanders, who has a lot to prove to the NFL teams that passed on him. Remember, he was drafted in the fifth round even though he was projected as first-round talent.
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