The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback experiment was doomed the moment it began. A four-man competition rarely produces clarity, and with Cleveland sitting at 3-10 entering a Week 15 matchup against the Chicago Bears, the results have been predictably messy. What was supposed to be an open evaluation turned into an offensive identity crisis, leaving the franchise searching for direction rather than wins.
That direction has now shifted toward rookie fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders. After three starts, Sanders has been named the Browns’ starter for the remainder of the season, a decision that quietly closed the door on Dillon Gabriel’s immediate future as the team’s answer under center. While Cleveland is just 1-2 in Sanders’ starts, the offense has shown noticeable life since the change was made.
The same could not be said during Gabriel’s tenure. Gabriel started six games and appeared in two others, but the offense struggled to generate explosive plays or sustain momentum. Cleveland went 1-5 in his starts, and patience inside Huntington Bank Field wore thin as the season slipped away. His conservative approach and limited downfield threat left defenses comfortable crowding short routes, stalling drives before they could develop.
That frustration boiled over during Gabriel’s final start before suffering a concussion, when boos echoed from the home crowd and chants for Sanders grew louder. It was a moment that reflected where fan confidence stood—and where internal evaluation soon followed.
A Legend Pulls No Punches
Few have been more direct about Gabriel’s outlook than Browns legend Hanford Dixon. On a recent episode of The Top Dawgs Show, Dixon delivered an unfiltered assessment that mirrored what many fans and media members had already concluded.
“We’re treating Gabriel like he’s the man. Like he’s a big-time quarterback,” Dixon said. “He ain’t no goddamn big-time quarterback. Throwing the ball in the dirt.”
The comments were harsh, but Dixon later emphasized they were rooted in evaluation, not emotion. He explained that it didn’t take long to see Gabriel lacked the traits that separate NFL starters from backups, arm strength, anticipation, and the ability to change games when structure breaks down.
Statistically, Gabriel’s rookie season reinforces that point. Across six starts and two relief appearances, he completed 109 of 184 passes (59.2 percent) for 937 yards, seven total touchdowns, and two interceptions. He topped 200 passing yards only once and averaged just 5.1 yards per attempt. His 8.91 percent sack rate further highlighted ongoing issues with pocket navigation and play extension.
The Sanders Contrast
Sanders is far from a finished product, and the Browns are not pretending otherwise. He has made mistakes, taken unnecessary hits, and is still learning how quickly NFL windows close. But the difference since he took over has been trajectory. Each start has shown tangible growth, and the offense has responded accordingly.
In three starts, Sanders has passed for 769 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions, numbers that reflect both aggression and opportunity. Just as important, he has provided the type of momentum-swinging plays the Browns lacked earlier in the season. His willingness to attack downfield has forced defenses to defend the entire field, opening space underneath and allowing Cleveland’s receivers more room to operate.
That progress was most evident in his breakout performance against the Tennessee Titans, when Sanders erupted for 364 yards and four touchdowns. The performance was not flawless, but it was decisive. It showcased arm talent, confidence, and the ability to elevate the offense when protection held and timing clicked.
Sanders has been careful to keep perspective, stressing that his opportunity came without ill will toward Gabriel and that rooting against a teammate runs counter to his values. Still, the contrast on the field has been unmistakable.