Browns Coach Kevin Stefanski Gives Dillon Gabriel Good News Ahead of Week 8
The Cleveland Browns will remain with Dillon Gabriel as the team’s starting quarterback in Week 8.
Gabriel had his third-straight start on Sunday and led the Browns to a 31-6 home win over the Miami Dolphins. It was a massive win for Cleveland, and after the game, Browns coach credited Gabriel for not turning the ball over in the sloppy, wet conditions.
“Yeah, first half especially was some tough conditions for both sides,” Stefanski said postgame. “I think you could see that in some of the handling of the football. But, we were plus four today. I don’t think we’ve turned it over the last three weeks. And that’s a recipe for winning football.”
Gabriel finished the game going 13-for-18 for 116 yards. Although he didn’t throw for a touchdown, he managed the game well and didn’t turn the ball over in the wet conditions, which Stefanski was pleased with.
With Stefanski happy with the team not turning the ball over, Gabriel is set to remain the Browns’ starting quarterback for the forseeable future.
The Browns will take on the New England Patriots on the road on Sunday in Week 8.
Browns Coach Pleased With ‘Clean Game’ From Gabriel
Cleveland entered their Week 7 home game against the Dolphins as the betting favorite.
The Browns and Dolphins have both struggled this season, but Gabriel did well protecting the ball and managing the game. Although Gabriel didn’t make any flashy throws, Stefanski said that was due to the weather and him not scheming people to get open.
But, Stefanski said he’d rather the quarterback not turn over the ball and play a clean game than make a lot of errors.
“I think every game is different, and what you’re going to have to do,” Stefanski said. “I thought a couple times were trying to get him on the perimeter in these conditions, knowing that it’s going to be hard to start and stop. We have to do a better job of getting some guys open throughout this game. But to play clean is really important.”
The Browns offense was led by running back Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for 84 yards on 25 carries, and also rushed for three touchdowns.
Dillon Gabriel ‘Proud’ of Week 7 Win
The Browns cruised to a blowout win in Week 7, backed by Judkins and their defense.
Gabriel played well at quarterback, as he played smart, but he knows there are things he can be better at. But the rookie quarterback is proud of how the team played, despite the conditions.
“I think you always want to expedite the process of being able to play at a certain level,” Gabriel said. “There is understanding of natural progression as well. But the process doesn’t change, you’re going to still fight to be at your best.
“But I think at small chunks we’ve learned how to slowly have chances to win, and then finally go and win a game, that’s something that we’re all kind of molding together,” Gabriel added. “Definitely proud of the guys, and definitely want to continue to be good in the areas we’re good at, and improve in the areas that we need to. So that’ll never change.”
Cleveland improved to 2-5 on the year with a lopsided win.
Isaiah Rodgers Calls Out Troll After Receiving Vile, Racist Messages Post-Eagles Loss
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers was on the receiving end of disgusting messages following his team's 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday ... with an unhinged individual calling him racial slurs and "a worthless piece of s***."
Rodgers -- who signed a two-year deal with Minnesota in the offseason -- posted the vile DMs on his Instagram Story. In the exchange, the person stated "u f***ing suck" after he got beat on a third-down pass play that ultimately gave the reigning Super Bowl champs the win.
The texts only got worse from there -- on top of the slurs, Rodgers was told he was "waste of air" and "worse than Hitler".
Rodgers' screenshot showed he responded with a "f*** you" ... and when the user tried to delete the messages, he made it clear the damage was already done.
They did apologize after Rodgers' callout ... and admitted what they did was unacceptable.
Plenty of fans came to the defense of the former Eagle ... calling the person out for their horrible words.
Rodgers opted not to reveal the identity of the troll.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. In 2023, Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson was sent racist messages after he was ejected for a hit during the team's matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
In 2024, two U.S. men's national team soccer players received hate-filled messages after the team lost to Panama in the Copa América tournament.
