The Youth Movement at QB in Cleveland
As the Cleveland Browns prepare to take off for London, they appear poised to move in a new direction at quarterback. The 40-year-old Joe Flacco has struggled to get Cleveland’s offense moving over the first four games.
Averaging just 14 points a game won’t cut it in the NFL despite having an elite defense. Flacco has been uncomfortable in the pocket while facing heavy pressure from opposing defenses, and it’s clear that he wants to avoid being hit, even if it means putting the ball in harm’s way.
It was never much of a surprise that he won a competition where he was never under any threat of being hit due to practice rules. He has thrown 6 interceptions, but limiting turnovers was the best argument for starting him over a rookie.
Dillon Gabriel will be the first man up.
For Gabriel, the assignment couldn’t be more challenging than having it be an international game against the most chaotic defensive scheme in the league with the Minnesota Vikings. Their defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, has made confusing QBs his calling card over the last two seasons.
Fortunately for the Browns, Gabriel isn’t the typical rookie. He started a ton of games in his college career and was lauded in the pre-draft process for his ability to diagnose a defense and process post-snap.
He will also bring elements of the offense that have been dormant due to Flacco’s lack of mobility. Two of which stand out in the ability to threaten defenses on the edge.
First, the bootleg off play action is a staple of Kevin Stefanski’s offense, and Gabriel has the ability to execute it at a high level. The other is what he brings to the RPO(run-pass-option) game. Gabriel’s ball handling is elite, and defending edge rushers will now have to respect the threat of him pulling the ball based on his athleticism.
This will not only help the offensive tackles but also give the offensive skill players a chance to get the ball quicker and in space. If Gabriel takes what the defense gives him and delivers the ball with accuracy, he can find success in this offense.
What about Shedeur Sanders?
Don’t be surprised when you hear that Sanders is still the third QB or emergency quarterback moving forward. There is no reason to name Sanders the immediate backup at this point, despite that being exactly what he ultimately is.
When Sanders gets his opportunity, it will likely be given to him with a full week of preparation, knowing that he is the starter. The Browns wouldn’t want to throw him out there over the next two weeks in a backup role against these defenses.
Not to mention that any announcement would increase the media hype and put more pressure on Gabriel. This is all about allowing the third-round pick to audition for the starting role moving forward, and Cleveland will do everything it can to empower him to claim the job.
Sanders' time will come at some point this season, either by injury or Gabriel’s size limiting his potential. For now, he needs to keep his head down and wait for his chance to play.