Cleveland Browns Put a Rookie QB as Starter

Yep, they’re doing it again. The Cleveland Browns are switching their QB to try and get their offensive line to at least be on the same page as their defense. This is the 41th time they’ve changed quarterbacks since 1999. Now, putting QB Joe Flacco on the bench and placing rookie QB Dillon Gabriel in Flacco’s place, they’re hoping that this kid can make something happen with their offense.

Trust me, if I went through all of their QB drama over the last 26 years, we’d be here for quite a while. So I’ll hit on the main points. Since rejoining the NFL in 1999, the Browns have been plagued by quarterback instability. Tim Couch showed flashes but injuries and weak lines derailed him, and the team cycled through Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Brandon Weeden, and Colt McCoy. Johnny Manziel’s brief, high-profile stint added drama, while stopgaps like Brian Hoyer, Josh McCown, and Robert Griffin III kept the carousel spinning. Baker Mayfield brought hope and two playoff runs, but inconsistency and injuries had him being traded in 2022. In 2024, Deshaun Watson began the season as the starter but suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, and a backup took over then. Joe Flacco was signed in this year’s off season, but his performance lacked, with him throwing only 2 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and having only a 58. 1% completion rate, and this caused him to be benched.

Okay, is your head spinning and trying to remember all of that? Good, because even I can’t. Let’s talk about Dillon Gabriel now. He has some pretty impressive collage statistics, concluding his college career with 18,722 passing yards and 189 total touchdowns- both of which set FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision- aka. highest level of college football) records. Gabriel is known for his quick release and up-tempo style, which contrasts with traditional pocket passers. His dual-threat capability allows him to extend plays and contribute as a rusher when necessary, which I can’t deny will be good for the Brown’s lacking offense.

Dillon Gabriel is under a lot of pressure; he will make his NFL debut in a high-pressure game against the Minnesota Vikings, whose defense, coordinated by Brian Flores, has historically been effective against rookie quarterbacks. And I mean, the Browns are 1-3, and so that’s even more people betting on this rookie to make a difference. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he can meet the team’s aspirations and establish himself as a long-term solution at quarterback. Could he be the one the Browns have been looking for? The next guy to do what Mayfield did and bring them to the playoffs? Keep your fingers crossed, and study this QB during the upcoming games.

See you at the next snap,

Tatum