Dillon Gabriel drew his second start of the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday but he has to provide a spark to the offense if he wants to hold off Shedeur Sanders.
The Browns named Sanders the backup to Gabriel this week after trading away veteran Joe Flacco. Cleveland played it coy at the start of the week before naming Sanders the backup on Friday. But it was never truly a debate, per Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
“The Browns always leaned heavily toward Sanders, their fifth-round pick out of Colorado, based on what they’ve seen in practice and meeting rooms over the past six weeks,” Cabot said. “They believe he’s clearly better than Zappe, the fourth-round pick of the Patriots in 2022, and he’s made really good strides since struggling in the final preseason game against the Rams on Aug. 23.”
Cabot believes it’s a matter of when, not if, Sanders gets his shot at starting this season.
“When the time comes for Sanders to start a game — and that’s very likely to happen at some point this season — the Browns will maximize his skillset and design it specially around his best traits and the plays he likes best,” Cabot said. “Perhaps the thing the Browns are most eager to see when he gets his chance: how his exceptional arm talent plays out on the field. He has an uncanny knack for delivering a catchable ball, and a natural feel for when to put some extra heat on it or loft it over a defender.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Ready for His Shot
Sanders has adjusted to life as a backup in Cleveland. He said all the right things this week with the Browns preparing for the Steelers. However, Sanders also made it clear he’ll be ready when his number is called.
“We’re going to make sure we do everything we can to make sure Dillon is ready for the game,” Sanders said. “Prepare the right way and be ready to know that you could get out there any point in time. So, I’m overly confident within myself. I know when I first got here, I’m ready to play, but it’s up to the coaches and whatever decision they make, then I’m fine with.”
The Browns drafted Sanders in the fifth round with pick No. 144 overall. Cleveland has viewed him as a developmental prospect with upside. So far, Sanders has impressed with his growth and work ethic.
“For Shedeur, we’re looking for constant improvement throughout the season, and he’s done that,” Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said. “And then when he’s had his opportunities to go operate it, he’s done a nice job.”
Dillon Gabriel Not Able to Spark Browns’ Offense
The Browns benched Flacco and went with Gabriel in an attempt to spark their unproductive offense. The rookie hasn’t been able to do that so far.
Gabriel passed for 190 yards and two touchdowns in his debut against the Vikings. Most importantly, he didn’t turn the ball over. However, the Browns still lack explosive plays in the passing game and rarely look downfield.
Gabriel’s second start got off to a rough start. The Browns had less than 40 yards of offense for the majority of the first half against the Steelers. The offense was able to put together a 16-play, 72-yard drive late in the half that resulted in a field goal — their only points.
Browns Report on Shedeur Sanders Spells Trouble for Dillon Gabriel