Shedeur Sanders Destroys Dillon Gabriel and Joe Flacco’s Browns QB Drama – How Long Can Flacco Survive the Heat? 

As the Cleveland Browns roll into Week 1 of the NFL season, the quarterback controversy is already stealing headlines—and not for the reasons the team hoped.

Shedeur Sanders, the young and talented QB, is turning heads in practice, while Dillon Gabriel and veteran Joe Flacco seem to be struggling to keep pace.

The Browns’ quarterback situation is spiraling into chaos, and fantasy football managers, fans, and analysts alike are left wondering: how long can Flacco really survive under center?

Let’s start with the good news.

Shedeur Sanders is officially on the 53-man roster, a milestone that has fired up his supporters and silenced some of the early doubters.

After a stellar training camp marked by an impressive 70-80% completion rate and solid performances, Sanders looks poised to make an impact.

His preseason play was strong enough to earn him serious consideration as a starter or at least a reliable backup.

But here’s the bad news: the Browns’ approach to their quarterback situation has been nothing short of a mess.

The team seems directionless, fumbling through a quarterback competition that feels more like a circus than a strategic battle.

The Browns have been accused of favoritism and neglect, especially toward Sanders, who many believe deserved more snaps and opportunities to showcase his skills during training camp.

Joe Flacco, the seasoned veteran brought back to stabilize the position, has been criticized heavily by the national media.

Ranked behind quarterbacks like Daniel Jones, Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, and even Cam Ward (who has barely started any NFL games), Flacco’s reputation is on shaky ground.

While he has flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and tendency to throw interceptions have many questioning how long he’ll remain the starter.

Dillon Gabriel, the other rookie QB in the mix, has had a mixed bag of performances.

Some moments show promise, but they are overshadowed by a series of poor plays that have failed to inspire confidence.

The Browns’ coaching staff faces a tough decision: stick with the veteran Flacco and hope for a miracle or hand the reins over to one of the rookies and endure the growing pains?

The consensus among analysts is that Flacco’s tenure as the Browns’ starter might be short-lived.

Predictions range from him starting only the first four games to possibly hanging on for 13 or even all 17 games, but the reality likely lies somewhere in between.

If the Browns start the season with a losing streak—0-4, 0-5, or worse—it’s almost certain that Sanders or Gabriel will get their shot sooner rather than later.

The Browns’ schedule doesn’t make things any easier.

Facing tough opponents early on, Flacco’s chances of maintaining a winning record and keeping his starting role are slim.

The pressure is mounting, and the quarterback carousel looks inevitable.

Adding to the uncertainty is the Browns’ history of quarterback mismanagement.

From Tim Couch and Johnny Manziel to Baker Mayfield and Deshaun Watson, the franchise has rarely found stability or success at the position.

This legacy of failure casts a long shadow over the current QB competition and fuels skepticism about the front office’s ability to make the right call.

Meanwhile, the Browns are also eyeing the 2026 NFL Draft class, rumored to be loaded with quarterback talent.

The hope is that the next franchise savior is just around the corner, but with no guarantees, the team must navigate this season carefully.

Sanders’ supporters argue that he has already proven himself worthy of more playing time.

His sharp decision-making, accuracy, and poise in practice contrast sharply with the struggles of Gabriel and the inconsistency of Flacco.

Yet, the coaching staff seems hesitant to fully commit to the young QB, perhaps fearing the risks of rushing a rookie into the spotlight.

Gabriel’s draft position and initial investment by the Browns have also complicated matters.

Despite underwhelming performances, he remains in the conversation, creating a three-way battle that has confused fans and muddled the team’s offensive identity.

The Browns’ quarterback situation is a ticking time bomb that threatens to derail their season.

The lack of a clear plan and the constant shuffle between quarterbacks could stunt the development of Sanders and Gabriel while putting undue pressure on Flacco.

Fantasy football players should keep a close eye on this drama.

Flacco’s potential benching could shake up starting quarterback options for the Browns, and Sanders or Gabriel could emerge as valuable fantasy assets if given the chance.

In the end, the Browns’ quarterback saga is a microcosm of the franchise’s broader struggles—uncertainty, mismanagement, and fleeting hope.

Will Shedeur Sanders break the cycle and become the franchise quarterback Cleveland desperately needs?

Or will he be just another name in a long list of Browns QB disappointments?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the drama is just getting started.

For now, Flacco holds the keys, but how long he keeps the ignition is anyone’s guess.

Stay tuned, keep watching the practice reports, and don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates on the Browns’ quarterback rollercoaster and all things fantasy football.

This saga promises to be one of the most intriguing stories of the 2025 NFL season.