Cleveland Browns Rookie Quarterback Competition Heats Up

The battle for the starting quarterback position on the Cleveland Browns escalated on Saturday. With the recent draft picks of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, coaches are now assessing their performance during real game situations.

Gabriel took to the field for his preseason debut, following Sanders, who played the previous week.

During the match against the Philadelphia Eagles, Gabriel sparked some discussions with his comments. “There are entertainers and there are competitors. I know my role is to compete,” he stated, emphasizing his focus on performance. After the game, he also remarked on how he views the media, calling them entertainers while asserting his responsibility as a competitor.

Following Gabriel’s remarks, a clip circulated online without the surrounding context, prompting speculation. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer noted that the media was aiming to understand how external chatter might affect internal dynamics. Many took Gabriel’s comments as a jab at Sanders, who has been in the spotlight due to his charismatic persona and his father, Deion Sanders’ legacy.

In terms of performance, Gabriel completed 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards, scoring one touchdown but also throwing one interception after mishandling a snap. In contrast, Sanders had a solid preseason debut, racking up 138 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers against the Carolina Panthers.

Currently, Gabriel ranks higher than Sanders on the Browns’ depth chart. Veteran Joe Flacco is set as the starter, with Kenny Pickett backing him up. Gabriel is positioned third, while Sanders holds the fourth spot among the quarterbacks.