The Cleveland Browns have had quite the hectic week, which started with the news that the LSU Tigers were trying to poach their undrafted rookie tight end Dae’Quan Wright. All that drama was small potatoes compared to the storm that took place when head coach Todd Monken had to make a decision on the Browns' starting quarterback.
Deshaun Watson played horribly in the preseason game to the point that the fans booed the offense off the field. After the game, Watson bashed the fans and their decision to boo him to the point that many thought the Browns couldn’t possibly start Watson.
All offseason the debate was between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders for the starting role, and when Monken made up his mind Watson won out. While both quarterbacks struggled, it never felt like Dillon Gabriel even had a shot.
Dillon Gabriel shines in half as the Browns' starter
After the decision was made to start Watson, the Browns decided to sit their starters for the Preseason finale, allowing Dillon Gabriel to start. To say Dillon Gabriel made the most out of the opportunity is an understatement, as he finished the 1st half 12-for-15 passing for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding 3 yards rushing, leading the offense to score 27 points.
Dillon Gabriel put up numbers in the first half 😮💨
— NFL (@NFL) August 28, 2026
- 12/15
- 186 pass yards
- 3 TDs
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While the performance came against the Patriots backups, Dillon Gabriel is also playing alongside his teams backups which puts both sides on an equal playing field.
It was clear all offseason that Deshaun Watson was most likely going to be named the starter because of his massive salary, and the only quarterback the Browns were going to give a chance was Shedeur Sanders. What's overlooked is the fact that Dillon Gabriel is the perfect kind of quarterback for what the Browns are trying to do this season.
While Gabriel isn't the most physical talented quarterback in the room, he's a high IQ player who's always going to take what the defense gives him. Given that the Browns are hoping to develop all the young offensive talent they've drafted, having a point guard style of quarterback in Gabriel could've gone a long way.
The good news for Gabriel is that the performance tonight could help him find a role somewhere where he can have a chance to earn a bigger role. Teams are constantly looking for solid backup quarterbacks, and Gabriel looks like, at worst he could be a serviceable backup for a long time in the NFL.
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