BROWNS HC EXPOSES WHY SHEDEUR SANDERS CAN’T START OVER DILLON GABRIEL

The Cleveland Browns quarterback saga has reached a boiling point, with head coach Kevin Stefanski officially naming Dillon Gabriel as the starting quarterback.

This decision leaves Shedeur Sanders as QB3 and Joe Flacco as the backup—a move that has sent shockwaves through Browns fans and the media alike.

While many expected Sanders to rise through the ranks, Stefanski’s decision has sparked intense debate about the football logic behind the pecking order.

Stefanski’s explanation for the decision was succinct, yet cryptic.

When asked why Joe Flacco was promoted to QB2 over Sanders, he simply stated, “Joe’s the backup. It’s my decision where I felt this was best for the football team.”

This vague response did little to quell the uproar among Sanders supporters, who have been clamoring for their star rookie to get a shot.

However, Stefanski’s choice appears to be grounded in football strategy rather than emotion.

Dillon Gabriel’s rise to QB1 is rooted in his compatibility with Stefanski’s offensive system.

The Browns coach runs a spread wide zone offense, a system that relies heavily on quick, efficient decision-making, tight ends, and a strong running game.

Gabriel’s college pedigree makes him a natural fit.

With six seasons under his belt at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, Gabriel boasts a 65% completion rate, over 18,000 passing yards, and 155 touchdowns.

His experience in Will Stein’s offensive schemes at Oregon, which closely resemble Stefanski’s system, gave him a significant advantage in understanding the Browns’ playbook.

Gabriel’s mobility is another key factor.

With the Browns’ offensive line struggling, his ability to escape pressure and extend plays is crucial.

While Sanders has shown flashes of brilliance, his style of play is less suited to the Browns’ current needs.

Gabriel’s skill set aligns perfectly with the team’s strategy, making him the safer choice for a franchise desperate for stability.

But what about Sanders?

The rookie quarterback has been the subject of relentless scrutiny, with leaks and rumors painting a mixed picture of his readiness.

Reports have suggested that Sanders is still adapting to the complexities of NFL offenses, which are far more intricate than the systems he played in at Jackson State and Colorado.

Andrew Berry, the Browns’ GM, even likened learning Stefanski’s system to “teaching a different language” to Sanders.

Unlike Gabriel, who benefited from consistent coaching and offensive schemes, Sanders has had a new offensive coordinator every year—a factor that has slowed his development.

Despite these challenges, Sanders has been working tirelessly to improve.

Videos of him training outside team facilities have surfaced, showcasing his dedication to mastering his craft.

Yet, the Browns have kept him firmly at QB3, limiting his practice reps and development opportunities.

Critics argue that this decision stunts Sanders’ growth, while supporters believe it’s a calculated move to protect him from the pressures of starting too soon.

The media frenzy surrounding Sanders has only added fuel to the fire.

Some analysts, like Rex Ryan, have accused Sanders of being unprepared and lacking work ethic—claims that have been debunked by insiders who report that Sanders is putting in extra effort outside team facilities.

Others, like Tony Rizzo, have speculated that the leaks about Sanders’ struggles are exaggerated or even fabricated.

The narrative surrounding Sanders has become a tangled web of truth, speculation, and outright misinformation.

Meanwhile, the Browns’ internal dynamics are under scrutiny.

Stefanski’s decision to bypass Sanders for Gabriel has raised questions about the team’s leadership and communication.

Reports suggest that Stefanski, Berry, and owner Jimmy Haslam have differing opinions on the quarterback situation, leading to tension within the organization.

This fragmented decision-making process has been a recurring issue for the Browns, who have struggled to find cohesion in their football operations.

For Gabriel, the pressure is immense.

As the new QB1, he must navigate the challenges of leading a team with a shaky offensive line and high expectations.

His experience and adaptability make him well-suited for the role, but the Browns’ history of mishandling quarterbacks looms large.

Gabriel’s success—or failure—will likely determine the trajectory of the Browns’ season.

As for Sanders, his journey is far from over.

While he remains QB3 for now, his talent and work ethic suggest that he could rise through the ranks with time and development.

The Browns’ decision to keep him on the roster instead of placing him on the practice squad or cutting him speaks to their belief in his potential.

Whether Sanders becomes a future starter or remains a backup will depend on his ability to adapt to the NFL’s demands and prove his critics wrong.

In the end, Stefanski’s decision to start Gabriel over Sanders is a calculated move based on football logic and system compatibility.

While it may disappoint Sanders’ fans, it reflects the realities of the NFL, where readiness and fit often outweigh raw talent.

The Browns’ quarterback saga is far from over, and as the season unfolds, the drama surrounding Gabriel, Sanders, and Flacco will continue to captivate fans and analysts alike.