Steelers set to crush Dillon Gabriel in brutal AFC North welcome
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel is reportedly set to make his maiden NFL start in Week 5. He'll replace veteran Joe Flacco under center when the club travels across the pond to face the Minnesota Vikings in London, England.
CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz is under the "current belief" that the Browns will pivot from Flacco to Gabriel against the Vikings. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski has been hesitant to make this move, though the team's offensive shortcomings have ostensibly forced his hand. Nevertheless, looking past the international bout with Minnesota, a date with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers awaits the 2025 third-round selection.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, a clash with the Steelers in Pittsburgh is on the docket for a Gabriel-led Browns squad in their ensuing contest. It'll mark the 2024 Heisman Trophy finalist's first taste of AFC North action; talk about a warm welcome to the division moment.
Browns rookie QB Dillon Gabriel in for rude awakening in first AFC North clash vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Black and Gold faithful will surely be on their best behavior when Gabriel takes the field in Pittsburgh -- not.
Gabriel was touted out of college for carrying himself with moxie, in addition to having a pro-ready arm, strong pocket presence and plus mobility. However, the Steelers will put his self-belief to the test in ways he's yet to experience.
Steelers fans in attendance figure to give Gabriel a hearty and boisterous crowd he'll never forget. The goal is to rattle his confidence so much that the Browns wind up with their next bust of a draft pick. Strive to send a message that Cleveland's annual trip to Acrisure Stadium is like stepping into the lion's den.
Not only is Gabriel slated to enter a hostile environment, but he'll be challenged with overcoming a fierce Steelers front seven. Perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate T.J. Watt and Co. can generate pressure at will and get to the passer. Pittsburgh's tied for the second-most sacks in football (14) through four games, highlighting their ability to make life difficult for an opposing signal-caller.
Pittsburgh's knack for disruption is bad news for Gabriel and a Browns squad listed as Pro Football Focus' No. 30-ranked pass-blocking unit ($). The undersized southpaw is barbecue chicken for Watt and his Steelers comrades. This truly feels like one of the more unenviable matchups imaginable for any young player getting their bearings in the league.
Jonas Sanker won't take the credit after his breakout performance
In just his third start, New Orleans Saints safety Jonas Sanker had a breakout game in Buffalo against the Bills. The Monday after the game, the first thing he did was give credit to the coaching staff.
Sanker has only started three games at safety, and the day after the loss in Buffalo, the rookie out of Virginia was asked if he's gotten more comfortable. "A lot of it just speaks on the coaching. They've done a really good job with me during the week and just getting ready, knowing where to have my eyes and just kind of what to expect," Sanker said to the media. "Then on some of the big plays, the big things were just trusting the technique."
He had one interception and two pass breakups on the day. For the Saints, Sanker's first career interception was also their first interception of 2025. However Sanker might've impressed even more on when he batted a pass that was intended for Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid. Four weeks through, he is also the Saints highest graded, qualifying defensive back on Pro Football Focus.
Saints safety Justin Reid also gets a shoutout from Jonas Sanker
Jonas Sanker wasn't supposed to be starting alongside Justin Reid at safety heading into week four. Just a few months ago, Justin Reid's partner in crime was future hall of famer Tyrann Mathieu, who unexpectedly retired in July.
After that, it was free agent signing Julian Blackmon, who unfortunately would tear his labrum during the week one Cardinals game. That left the team with two options: third-year man Jordan Howden, who's shown some promise in the past, or Sanker, a rookie.
The Saints went with the latter. "It's just kind of a next man up mentality," Sanker said to the media before crediting Reid for helping him get comfortable. "And, y'know, being lucky enough to have a guy like Justin (Reid) beside you. He's a very vocal leader who's done this for a long time. He's also played against the Bills so many times that he knows exactly what they want to do, when they want to do it, and who they want to get the ball to. He was really helpful for me that whole week."
The rookie will get his chance to ride this wave of momentum when the Saints head home to face the Giants, in their first game of October.
