Stay away from the Browns! A former QB's advice to Dillon Gabriel after he made Todd Monken look foolish
The Browns may have a quarterback dilemma on their hands
Dillon Gabriel may not have changed the Cleveland Browns' quarterback hierarchy, but he certainly made the team's final roster decision much more complicated.
The rookie quarterback delivered the most impressive performance of any Browns passer this preseason during Thursday's 37-13 victory over the New England Patriots.
Gabriel started the game and played only the first half, but he made every minute count, completing 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns.
Gabriel finished with a remarkable 157.9 passer rating while leading Cleveland on five scoring drives. Two of his touchdowns went to Luke Floriea before he connected with Ahmani Marshall for another score.
The performance was particularly significant because Gabriel hasn't appeared to be a major part of Cleveland's quarterback competition. The Browns have reportedly settled on Deshaun Watson as their starter, with Shedeur Sanders positioned behind him on the depth chart.
That decision hasn't stopped questions from emerging after Gabriel's outstanding showing.
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III was among those who immediately reacted. Griffin argued on social media that Gabriel's performance exposed how little of a genuine opportunity he'd received during the Browns' quarterback competition.
"Dillon Gabriel is making a mockery of the Cleveland Browns QB competition,” wrote Griffin .
“3 TDs in the first half. The competition was never fair to him. It’s why I said this offseason he needs a fresh start with a team interested in developing him to see if he can be a starter in the NFL."
Gabriel also received significant praise from Browns head coach Todd Monken . The coach pointed to the quarterback's preparation, understanding of the offense and confidence, suggesting Gabriel operates the system almost like a coach himself.
Despite those glowing comments, Monken doesn't appear ready to change Cleveland's plans.
Gabriel's performance creates a difficult roster call
That leaves Gabriel facing a difficult situation despite putting together the best preseason performance by a Cleveland quarterback.
The Browns currently have four quarterbacks competing for roster spots: Watson, Sanders, Gabriel and sixth-round rookie Taylen Green . Keeping all four would require Cleveland to dedicate an additional spot on the 53-man roster, something the coaching staff may not want to do.
However, cutting either Gabriel or Green isn't straightforward. If Cleveland attempts to place one of them on the practice squad, the player would first have to clear waivers, giving another team an opportunity to claim him.
Green also gave the Browns something to consider against New England. He completed five of seven passes for 27 yards while adding 66 rushing yards on eight attempts. His athleticism was particularly evident on a 30-yard scramble after escaping pressure near Cleveland's own goal line.
Monken acknowledged that both young quarterbacks performed well but admitted the roster eventually has to be trimmed.
That makes Thursday's performance even more important for Gabriel . He might not have overtaken Sanders , but he gave Cleveland an uncomfortable question to answer.
If the Browns decide there's no room for him, Griffin's suggestion could become particularly relevant. Gabriel has now shown that he can operate the offense efficiently when given an extended opportunity. Another team looking for a young quarterback to develop might be willing to give him the chance Cleveland hasn't.
