Will Browns bench Dillon Gabriel for Shedeur Sanders after blowout loss to Patriots?
As the Cleveland Browns fell to 2-6 on the season via Sunday's 32-13 blowout loss at the New England Patriots (6-2), Cleveland fans posting on social media understandably wondered if head coach Kevin Stefanski would bench starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel in favor of fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders after the Browns' Week 9 bye.
While speaking with reporters following the club's latest defeat, Stefanski suggested Gabriel will remain atop the depth chart for Cleveland's matchup at the New York Jets on Nov. 9.
Browns willing to live with Dillon Gabriel's ups and downs?
"When I say look at everything, when you lose like this, you have to look at everything," Stefanski explained, per Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Every position, everything I’m doing. There’s just -- it’s frustrating for where we are as a team. Every position you have to look at. But let me say that with a young quarterback, you understand there’s going to be ups and downs."
Gabriel has gone 1-3 as Cleveland's QB1, and his lone victory occurred when the Miami Dolphins committed four turnovers at Cleveland's Huntington Bank Field in Week 7. Against the Patriots, Gabriel completed 21-of-35 passes for 156 yards with two touchdowns, two interceptions and one inexcusable fourth-quarter mistake that resulted in a safety.
ESPN stats show that the Browns began Monday ranked 30th in the league with an average of 15.8 points scored per game for the season. Meanwhile, Sanders hasn't played against an opposing defense since the preseason wrapped up. He was inactive for the Patriots game after he picked up a back injury during the week.
Myles Garrett defends Dillon Gabriel amid calls for Shedeur Sanders to play
Browns star pass-rusher Myles Garrett tallied five sacks in Sunday's defeat and later defended Gabriel amid calls from Cleveland fans for the club to see what Sanders can do.
"I see a young quarterback that’s fighting," Garrett said about Gabriel. "I see a young team that’s fighting all across the board. So we all got to help each other, and there’s no one on the outside who’s going to help us. There’s no one who’s going to come in with a magic cure-all. So we have to rally together and find the best way to win as a unit, as a team. ...We dug ourselves in this hole. So no, we got to keep on working to get out of it."
The Jets improved to 1-7 on the season when they notched a surprising 39-38 win at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Like the Browns, Gang Green will be on the bye in Week 9.
Marcus Mariota Declares: “We Will Write Our Name in History, Opponents Can’t Stop Us!”
As the Washington Commanders prepare for a high-stakes matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, quarterback Marcus Mariota has made it clear that this is their moment to shine. In a bold statement, Mariota declared, "We will write our name in history, opponents can’t stop us!" His words serve as a rallying cry for the Commanders, who are looking to turn their season around and make a deep playoff push.
A Statement of Intent
Mariota’s declaration isn’t just about words—it’s about mindset. With the Commanders struggling to find consistency this season, Mariota knows that this game against a formidable Chiefs team could be the turning point they need. The veteran quarterback has already shown flashes of brilliance, but now, with the pressure mounting, he’s ready to lead his team to victory.
“We have the talent and the heart to take on any team,” Mariota continued. “The Chiefs are a great team, but we’re not backing down. This is our chance to make history and show everyone what the Commanders are really capable of.”
Facing the Chiefs Head-On
The Chiefs, led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, come into this game with momentum, having won four of their last five games. But Mariota is unfazed by the challenge ahead. He knows that the Chiefs’ defense will present a tough test, but he’s confident that the Commanders' offense, bolstered by the return of key players like Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel, can exploit any weaknesses.
“Every game is a new opportunity,” Mariota said. “We’ve learned from our mistakes, and now it’s about executing. We have to trust our preparation and each other.”
A Call for Leadership
Mariota’s leadership has been a crucial part of his success in the NFL. Throughout his career, he’s been known for his calm demeanor and poise under pressure, and this game is no different. As the Commanders’ starting quarterback, he understands the responsibility of leading by example. His determination to push past any obstacles is infectious, and his teammates are following suit.
“It’s about staying focused and trusting the process,” Mariota explained. “When we’re all on the same page, we’re unstoppable.”
The Road to Victory
As the Commanders look to break their recent slump, they will need to execute on both sides of the ball. The defense will have to find a way to slow down Mahomes and the explosive Chiefs offense, while the offense must remain balanced and efficient.
But with Mariota’s leadership and the belief that this team can do something special, the Commanders are poised to make a statement. “This is just the beginning,” Mariota said. “We’re not just here to compete; we’re here to win.”
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As the game approaches, the intensity is palpable. The Commanders are ready to write their own story, and with Marcus Mariota leading the charge, they just might do it. This is their moment to make history.
