In the long history of the NFL, we have rarely witnessed a situation like the one unfolding with the Cleveland Browns, where four quarterbacks are competing during OTAs to be named the starter for the season. Usually, at this stage, teams have their starting quarterback mastering the playbook, with perhaps just one or two players in contention. Having four competitors simultaneously raises questions about the team’s effectiveness. That said, head coach Kevin Stefanski has clarified that Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel will receive the majority of first-team reps. Joe Flacco will serve as an “on-field coach” and a reliable backup, a role in which he has excelled for the past six years. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders is emerging as a potential dark horse.
Shedeur Sanders Shines Despite Interception in Browns’ Practice
In such a fierce contest, all four players must demonstrate precision, minimize errors, and impress the coaching staff. During the Browns’ most recent practice, Dillon Gabriel was the least accurate, completing only 55% of his passes (11 of 20), despite throwing three touchdowns and attempting more passes than anyone else. In contrast, Shedeur Sanders was more precise, completing nine of 14 passes (64%) and also throwing three touchdowns. However, Sanders was criticized for his first mistake of the Browns’ practice when he was the only quarterback to throw an interception-see for yourself.
Ultimately, Sanders shouldn’t be blamed for the receiver’s soft hands. Such interceptions are common in the NFL, where a receiver’s failure to secure the ball leaves it vulnerable to being snatched by a defender, which is exactly what happened to Sanders. Nevertheless, Sanders has been the most accurate throughout the OTAs and is poised to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, which is set to be finalized in August, just before the season begins.
Browns’ QB History Suggests Season Change
In my view, Kenny Pickett is likely to be the Week 1 starter against the Cincinnati Bengals. His experience sets him apart: He started for two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a backup for the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles last year. He even stepped in for a commanding 41-7 win over Dallas in Week 16. However, I wouldn’t count on him lasting the full season. This poses a challenge for the Browns’ quartet of quarterbacks. Since 1999, only two Browns quarterbacks, Tim Couch and Baker Mayfield, have completed an entire season, suggesting probable midseason changes.
The Browns have a tough first month ahead of them: they’ll take on Joe Burrow’s Bengals at home, travel to play Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, host the rising Green Bay Packers, and then visit Detroit. These tough matchups increase the odds that the Browns will have used two quarterbacks by Week 5, putting pressure on Sanders and Gabriel to excel in OTAs. Although fans may be unsettled by the uncertainty of who will take the first snap, this competition ensures that the most prepared player will lead the charge.
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