Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Exposed for Online Action Amid Calls to Bench Gabriel
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders drew attention after liking a social media post that called for the team to bench Dillon Gabriel and give him the starting job.
Gabriel has gone 1-3 as the Browns’ starter. He took over for Joe Flacco in Week 4 but has not provided a spark for the struggling Cleveland offense. The Browns are coming off a 32-13 loss to the New England Patriots, in which Gabriel threw for 156 yards, two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions.
Gabriel’s struggles have led to calls for Sanders, especially with the Browns heading into a bye week, including from Browns reporter Brad Stainbrook.
“I’ve seen enough of Dillon Gabriel. It’s time for the Browns to start getting Shedeur Sanders ready after the bye week. Give him two weeks to take time, settle in, and make his first NFL start,” Stainbrook wrote on Instagram. “You didn’t draft him to sit forever… and this offense needs a spark. Gabriel’s had his shot, and the team feels flat. Let the rookie learn on the fly, make mistakes, and grow. There’s no better time to see what you’ve got in Shedeur.”
Stainbrook noted on X Monday that Sanders was among those who liked the post, though he stopped short of suggesting any tension between the two quarterbacks.
“Browns QB Shedeur Sanders liked my Instagram post where I called for the team to start the former Colorado quarterback following the bye week,” Stainbrook said. “Dillon and Shedeur get along great. This isn’t shade, just a young player showing he’s hungry and wants to play.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Shows Support for Dillon Gabriel
Sanders has already had his share of interesting moments with the Browns, including an interview where he silently mouthed his responses. But shortly before being named the backup following the trade of Joe Flacco, Sanders showed support for Gabriel.
“We’re going to make sure we do everything we can to make sure Dillon is ready for the game,” Sanders said. “So each and every day, even when Joe was the starter, everything. Prepare the right way and be ready to know that you could get out there any point in time. So, I’m overly confident within myself. I know when I first got here, I’m ready to play, but it’s up to the coaches and whatever decision they make, then I’m fine with.”
He also banned negative chatter around the situation.
“We’re not on no negativity from now on, man, we’re not doing that. I’m just here to be positive and I don’t speak on anything negative. So that’s the new way,” Sanders said. “That’s what we’re going forward with. Anything negative, we’re not talking about it. we’re not speaking on it.”
Browns Rolling With Dillon Gabriel Over Shedeur Sanders
Gabriel’s outings have been less than inspiring, but the Browns are remaining patient with the third-round rookie. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is expected to stick with Gabriel as the starter following the bye.
“Playing good on offense is about 11 guys on the field and us as coaches doing our job,” Stefanski said. “Obviously young players will learn in each outing that they’re out there. I think Dillon will continue to learn, will continue to get better, but it’s really an entire offensive type of thing where we all need to be better.”
Stefanski was asked directly why he’s not willing to give Sanders a shot to run the offense.
“Obviously, my focus is where we are right now,” Stefanski said. “That’s not my focus.”
The Browns will face the one-win New York Jets when they emerge from their bye week. The Nov. 4 trade deadline will have also passed by then.
Dillon Gabriel Faces Growing Frustration Over Ineffective Long Drives, Fans Question His Ability to Bring Stability to Browns' Offense
The Cleveland Browns' offensive woes have continued to plague the team, and quarterback Dillon Gabriel is now at the center of growing frustration from both fans and analysts alike. Despite his early promise, Gabriel has struggled to lead the team effectively, particularly when it comes to executing long, sustained drives. His inability to maintain consistency and generate meaningful plays has left many questioning whether he can provide the stability the Browns so desperately need on offense.
Throughout the season, the Browns have faced difficulty in putting together consistent offensive performances, and the lack of effectiveness on long drives has been a significant part of the issue. Gabriel, who had been seen as a potential answer to the team's offensive struggles, has failed to establish a rhythm, particularly on third downs and in the red zone, where long drives are crucial. Fans have voiced their disappointment on social media and in stadiums, citing missed opportunities and a lack of command during critical moments.
“It’s just not clicking,” said one disappointed fan after a recent game. “Dillon shows flashes of being capable, but when it matters most, he can’t get the offense moving. We’ve seen it too many times this season—long drives that stall, and no consistency. It’s frustrating.”
Gabriel, who was brought in to stabilize the quarterback position and bring some consistency to the offense, has been unable to consistently produce those moments of stability. His performance, while not devoid of potential, has been marred by errors, missed throws, and an inability to string together multiple successful plays when it counts.
“I'm trying to do my best out there, but it’s clear we need more consistency,” Gabriel said after the latest loss. “I take full responsibility for the struggles on offense. I know I need to be better, and I’m working hard to fix the issues. But I understand the frustration of the fans—this team deserves better.”
Head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has stood by Gabriel through the ups and downs, addressed the growing frustration during his post-game press conference, emphasizing the need for improvement across the board. “We’re all looking for better execution, and that starts with me as the head coach. Dillon knows what he needs to work on, and we’re all committed to making those improvements as a team,” Stefanski said.
Despite the setbacks, Gabriel remains hopeful that the offense can turn things around, citing the team’s overall talent and potential. However, as the season progresses, the pressure is mounting on Gabriel to prove that he can bring the stability and leadership that the Browns need to get back on track. The fans’ growing frustration with the offense suggests that time is running out for Gabriel to find consistency and live up to expectations as the Browns’ starting quarterback.
With the Browns facing a critical stretch of games, all eyes will be on Gabriel and whether he can finally get the offense to function at a high level. If he cannot lead the team to more effective and sustained drives, his role as the quarterback could be in jeopardy, and the Browns’ playoff aspirations may continue to slip further out of reach.
