The transition to the NFL has brought a new challenge for rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Once stars at every level, they now find themselves adjusting to the role of backups on the Cleveland Browns. As veteran quarterback Joe Flacco prepares to take the field for his 198th NFL game at M&T Bank Stadium, Gabriel and Sanders are focused on learning from the sidelines.
Quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave addressed the adjustment process on September 12, highlighting the significant shift these young players are experiencing. “Neither of these guys have ever not been the guy, and that happens a lot with guys who enter the NFL,” Musgrave stated. He emphasized that both players have handled the initial transition well, immersing themselves in the game plan and participating in additional drills. “Of course, because Dillon is one play away and Shedeur two plays away,” he added, underscoring the importance of readiness.
Gabriel was drafted in the third round as the 94th overall pick, while Sanders was chosen in the fifth round at 144th. Their previous success in high school and college has set high expectations, but this new role is a different kind of challenge.
Preseason Performance and Coach’s Decisions
Sanders has mostly stayed out of the media spotlight, with limited appearances in the locker room. In two preseason games in August, he completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns during a decisive 30-10 victory against the Panthers. However, he faced difficulties in the following game against the Eagles and managed only 14 yards on three completions against the Rams, where he also suffered five sacks.
Before the Rams game, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski officially named Flacco the starting quarterback, placing Gabriel in the backup role and Sanders as the third-string quarterback. During the second half of the game against the Rams, Sanders played until he was replaced by Tyler Huntley with just over two minutes remaining. Huntley led the team down the field, culminating in a game-winning 37-yard field goal by Andre Szmyt.
Reflecting on his limited playing time, Sanders acknowledged his initial disappointment at not leading the final drive. Yet, he remains optimistic about the learning opportunities his role provides. “There’s a lot to learn from this preseason, but I’m really thankful for the opportunity to be out there,” he commented after the game. “Day by day, rep by rep, I’ll keep learning and getting better.”
Future Prospects and Owner’s Vision
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has expressed a desire to see both Gabriel and Sanders take the field during the regular season. The team’s long-term strategy hinges on evaluating whether they already have a quarterback of the future or if they need to draft a new player in 2026. As the season unfolds, the performances of Flacco, Gabriel, and Sanders will be crucial in shaping the franchise’s direction.
The journey for Gabriel and Sanders is just beginning, and as they adjust to their new roles, their commitment to growth and adaptation will be vital. They aim to make the most of their opportunities, whether on the field or from the sidelines, as the Cleveland Browns navigate another NFL season.
