While the Cleveland Browns were able to pick up a shocking win over the Green Bay Packers this past weekend, it wasn't because of their offense.
Joe Flacco did enough for the Browns to win, but he still had a relatively mediocre performance, completing 21 of 36 passes for 142 yards, one interception, and no touchdowns. Despite picking up his first win of the season, could Cleveland turn to rookie Dillon Gabriel?
One analyst doesn't think it's time for the Browns to start playing their former Oregon Duck, and should stick with Flacco up until they play the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Browns Analyst Believes Dillon Gabriel Shouldn't Start Until After Pittsburgh Game
In an appearance on the Orange and Brown Talk show, host Dan Labbe urged the Browns not to start Gabriel until after Cleveland's first game in Pittsburgh.
"The one thing you cannot do is have his first start be in Pittsburgh in Week 6. ... I just think you’re asking for disaster. So in my mind, you’ve either got to do it after this week if Joe struggles, or you’ve got to wait till after the Pittsburgh game at least," said Labbe.
Labbe absolutely has a point to his argument. Over the last 10 years, the Browns are 5-14-1 against the Steelers in the regular season, with all losses in Pittsburgh. The last time Cleveland was able to pull out a win on the Steelers' home turf was in January 2021 during the Browns' 47-38 wildcard victory.
If Cleveland's brass wants the former Heisman trophy finalist to feel comfortable in his first start, it can't be against their vaunted division rival.
Browns beat reporter Ashley Bastock doubled down on the initial take.
"I mean, I’ve still never even covered a Browns win in Pittsburgh. I know you guys haven’t covered many of them. Hasn’t happened a ton post ’99. ... Good things do not happen in Pittsburgh."
The Browns should try to do everything in their power to uplift Gabriel and support him through his first start. To make things as easy as possible, they should wait until after that Steelers game to give him the nod.
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