Dillon Gabriel debut grades: Browns rookie QB proves he's a gamer despite loss to Vikings

Vinnie Iyer

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Dillon Gabriel debut grades: Browns rookie QB proves he's a gamer despite loss to Vikings image

Dillon Gabriel got his chance to start for the Cleveland Browns as their latest attempt to stick with a consistent franchise quarterback. The rookie third-rounder proved he should keep the job for the foreseeable future in the 2025 NFL season.

Joe Flacco was benched for his turnover struggles. Fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders has proved he's not ready for live action ahead of Gabriel.

Gabriel justified the Browns' decision in Sunday's Week 5 game vs. the tough Minnesota Vikings' defense in London. Although the Browns lost the game 21-17 on a late-game-winning drive by the Vikings, Gabriel did play enough to put his team in position to win a low-scoring duel with Carson Wentz.

MORE: Jordan Addison's last-minute TD lifts Vikings to London win over Browns 

The Sporting News breaks down the positives and negatives of Gabriel's overall performance:

Dillon Gabriel's stats vs. Vikings

Passing: 19-of-33, 190 yards, 5.4 yards per attempt, 2 sacks, 2 TDs, 94.3 rating

Rushing: 2 attempts, 5 yards

Gabriel was sharp pocket passing without trying to do too much. The clear emphasis was on him throwing "safer" short-to-intermediate passes, playing well off the strong running game with a fellow rookie.

Although Gabriel didn't have a completion go for more than 20 yards until the final, last-gasp drive, he also made sure he didn't have an interception.

MORE: Why Shedeur Sanders isn't starting for Browns

Dillon Gabriel NFL debut grade

What Dillon Gabriel did well

Gabriel showed good pocket awareness, toughness and confidence. He knew how to execute the offense and that he would have plenty of facilitation from the running game. The Browns made his job easier with fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins running for 110 of the team's 140 rushing yards.

His first TD pass was easy, with the threat of the power run looming in the red zone for the Vikings. Like a smart rookie, he leaned plenty on the tight ends, rookie Harold Fannin Jr. and David Njoku, who each caught a touchdown.

Njoku helped out Gabriel by making a key tough catch, with Gabriel giving him a chance with good ball placement. Gabriel showed he knew the offense of Kevin Stefanki inside-out and executed within it.

MORE: Complete history of Browns starting quarterbacks since 1999

What Dillon Gabriel didn't do well

Gabriel should have used his legs a little more to create. He isn't a super athlete, but he's good enough to add that to his repertoire to make defenses think about something. 

He also didn't feel comfortable pushing the ball downfield until it was an absolute necessity in the final minute. He erred on the side of caution a little too much, throwing away balls that could have been viable plays. Gabriel must get his wide receivers more involved in his next start.

Overall, Gabriel was the right choice for the Browns to run this type of youth-infused run-heavy offense. Flacco can stay a backup and Sanders can keep waiting for his chance.

Gabriel debut grade: B+

Vinnie Iyer

Vinnie Iyer has been with The Sporting News since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. Vinnie covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including draft prospects analysis, gambling and fantasy football. He also represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network.