The Cleveland Browns have struggled through the 2025-26 NFL season, posting a disappointing 2-6 record and much of the frustration stems from quarterback decisions, particularly Dillon Gabriel starting ahead of Shedeur Sanders.
Coach Prime‘s son remains on the bench as the QB2 at the Huntington Bank Field as the quarterback debate has dominated headlines, fueled by coach Kevin Stefanski‘s handling of his roster.
Cleveland initially rotated between veteran Joe Flacco and Gabriel, yet neither has produced consistent results. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders has yet to see meaningful regular-season action despite his impressive collegiate record.
Adding fuel to the discussion, Shilo Sanders, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety and Shedeur‘s older brother, recently made pointed remarks about Gabriel‘s height of 5ft 11in.
During the stream, Shilo compared PlaqueboyMax’s height to his own, then jokingly referenced the Browns’ quarterback situation.
“You are Dillon Gabriel‘s size,” Shilo said, indirectly taking a subtle jab at the starter while highlighting Shedeur‘s sidelined status. This exchange, though playful, underscores growing attention on Cleveland’s quarterback choices.
Fans have debated whether Gabriel truly deserves the starting role, especially given the team’s struggles through eight games of the season. Despite this, Stefanski chose to continue with the Oregon Ducks product.
The decision has reignited discussions on quarterback talent evaluation and team-building strategy considering Sanders‘ 2024 with the Colorado Buffaloes saw him produce 4134 passing yards, 37 touchdowns and maintain a completion rate of 74%.
Cleveland’s quarterback situation reflects deeper issues within the franchise. Since returning to the NFL in 1999, the Browns have had limited success: only three playoff appearances and a single postseason win. This season’s QB controversy has amplified fan frustration.
ESPN analyst Matt Miller offered a perspective supporting Stefanski, emphasizing the importance of trusting coaching staff decisions.
“I believe that if he was worthy of starting, Kevin Stefanski would start him,” Miller told Essentially Sports. “I think coaches want to win games. That’s their job.
“I’m a believer in letting coaches coach. So, until we have any evidence that Sanders should be playing over Gabriel, I think you have to trust the guys who are there every day doing the work.”
This viewpoint suggests patience may be necessary before changing the starting lineup. Despite these defenses, Cleveland’s performance has remained underwhelming.
Following a 32-13 loss to the New England Patriots, the Browns are at the bottom of the NFC North, intensifying scrutiny on both Stefanski and Gabriel and the team faces a critical stretch of games to evaluate talent and establish a clear plan for the future.
Sanders‘ role, whether immediate or long-term, remains uncertain, but his potential continues to be a point of discussion among fans and analysts as he continues to sit on the bench.
Ultimately, Cleveland’s quarterback saga is part of a larger narrative about leadership, development, and decision-making in a historically struggling franchise and the coming weeks will determine whether the Browns can stabilize the position.
Read the full article here
