The Cleveland Browns are sticking with Dillon Gabriel, despite his lackluster performance in Sunday’s 27-20 loss to the New York Jets.
Gabriel completed 53% of his passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. He also added five runs for 54 yards. However, Gabriel lacked zip on a lot of his throws and the offense as a whole could not churn out consistent production, even with the shift in play-callers from head coach Kevin Stefanski to offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
In his six starts, Gabriel has passed for more than 200 yards just once, which came in a 23-9 loss to the Steelers, where he attempted 52 passes.
Gabriel has not proven that he can be a viable starting option for the Browns. But Stefanski wasted no time following Sunday’s loss, saying that Gabriel will continue to be the starter in Cleveland.
“We’re going to stick with Dillon. Obviously, young players that you’re always trying to get one game better,” Stefanski said of his third-round pick. “We have to play better as an offense. We have to coach better. All of the above.”
That decision means that Shedeur Sanders will remain the backup to Gabriel next week. Sanders returned from a pre-bye week back injury to back up Gabriel against the Jets.
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel Banged Up in Loss to Jets
Part of Gabriel’s struggles against the Jets came from relentless pressure throughout the afternoon. He was sacked six times for a total loss of 47 yards. The most costly sack came on a crucial fourth down in the fourth quarter, with the Browns trailing by seven. Gabriel tried to step up to avoid the rush but was swallowed by defenders, ending a drive Cleveland desperately needed to keep alive.
Browns veteran offensive lineman Joel Bitonio backed Stefanski’s decision to keep rolling with Gabriel after the loss.
“Some of the all-time greats — if you look at their interceptions, sacks, things like that — it takes a long time to see enough defenses and enough plays in this league,” Bitonio said. “I’m going to continue to fight for whoever is back there. The whole offensive team has to be better for him to make sure he has his opportunities.”
Myles Garrett Vows That Browns Will Keep Fighting
The Browns dropped to 2-7 with the loss, and their already-thin playoff hopes have evaporated. Star pass-rusher Myles Garrett has not been scared to voice his frustration this season, but did not want to “point the finger” after the loss on Sunday.
“Frustration is frustration. You try your best not to point fingers,” Garrett said. “We just got to be better.”
Garrett said he was pleased that the Browns didn’t ship out any of their key veterans — like David Njoku or Wyatt Teller — at the trade deadline. For him, it was a signal that the Browns’ front office still had faith in the team turning around the season.
The loss to the Jets has the Browns closer to picking No. 1 overall than sniffing a playoff spot, but Garrett vowed to keep fighting.
“We still got eight more games,” Garrett said. “You never know what could happen.”
The Browns face the surging Baltimore Ravens at home next week. The Ravens have won three games in a row.
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