Another week, another rookie quarterback makes his debut for the Cleveland Browns.
One week after Shedeur Sanders shined in his pro debut, it was Dillon Gabriel’s turn to run the offense for Cleveland in Week 2.
Gabriel remained at the controls for the entire first half as the Browns possessed the ball five times in the opening 30 minutes. Tyler Huntley came on in relief for the former Oregon quarterback at the start of the second half, closing the book on Gabriel’s debut.
The third-round rookie undoubtedly faced some added pressure coming into this contest, especially after Sanders’ performance in Week 1.
As the Browns quarterback battle heats up, Gabriel made sure to throw his hat into the ring. Here’s how the rookie fared in his first NFL action.
Dillon Gabriel grade: Browns rookie solid in debut
Gabriel completed 13-of-18 pass attempts, finishing with 143 yards, an interception and a lost fumble. He targeted 10 different receivers in his debut.
After taking a sack on his second play from scrimmage, Gabriel kept his poise in the pocket, stepping up and delivering a 3rd-and-10 completion to Blake Whiteheart. There were some happy feet at times as he bounced around behind the line, however.
Gabriel did seem hesistant to scramble, which is understandable considering his hamstring injury – bringing some extra attention to his arm talent.
The rookie showed off his accuracy in his first preseason action, which was highlighted by the ball placement on a 3rd-and-5 completion to Jamari Thrash on the opening drive.
Cleveland would march for a touchdown on the opening drive. More important, the quarterback wasn’t a passenger in his first series.
The second drive would look like a lot more of the same, until it didn’t. Gabriel delivered another on-time pass to Cedric Tillman – the good on this possession.
The bad was how he opened the second quarter. Gabriel tossed a pick-six to Andrew Mukuba – a throw that the quarterback will want back.
Gabriel didn’t get any help from his teammates on this play, who shied away from the ball as it was headed their way. However, the rookie can’t make that throw in traffic and will learn that throwing it away is a better decision in that situation.
The quarterback would later cough up a fumble on a handoff, which we’ll likely attribute to his hindered mobility. Still, that is something that will need to be cleaned up.
In a two-minute drill to end the half, Gabriel marched the Browns into field goal range before the end of the half, highlighted by a 29-yard connection to Kaden Davis.
The Browns rookie had no shortage of action in this contest, getting some extended run given the injuries facing the team’s quarterback room.
Grade: B
Gabriel’s performance had some highs and lows, but it was still a solid day at the office. The mistakes will need to be cleaned up, but we’ll consider his limited mobility from the hamstring injury as something that balances the score.
The quarterback flashed accuracy and timing, unfazed by concerns about his lack of size. Despite pressure from the Eagles defense, he remained mostly poised throughout. The Browns and their fans should be pleased with Gabriel’s outing. Now the hope will be that both Gabriel and Sanders can suit up in the preseason finale to allow for a better comparison between the two.
