Dillon Gabriel explains Joe Flacco's role following Browns benching

Charlie Baduini

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Dillon Gabriel explains Joe Flacco's role following Browns benching image

The Cleveland Browns made a switch at quarterback this week, benching veteran Joe Flacco for 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel.

The former Oregon Duck will get his first start in the NFL on Sunday in London, England, against the Minnesota Vikings.

It won't be an easy task for Gabriel, as the Vikings' defense currently ranks as one of the best in the league in terms of EPA per play and total yards allowed. But will the rookie have help from his quarterback room as he prepares for his first professional start?

Dillon Gabriel reveals Joe Flacco's role entering his first start

At Gabriel's first press conference as the starting quarterback, the former Oregon standout spoke about Flacco's role as the (now) veteran backup.

"It's not his job to be a mentor. It's his job to be a great quarterback ... It's my job to ask questions and search for answers," said Gabriel.

While this is a great answer from the 94th overall pick, it dates back to what Flacco had said in May about mentoring young quarterbacks.

"It's not really about that. It's just not the main focus. I see myself as a guy that can play in this league. So, if your main focus was just like, hey, but I'm going to get you ready, you're just not taking care of business," Flacco explained during OTAs.

"The best way to be a mentor, honestly, is to show people how you go to work and, like I said, hope that they pick up on that stuff, but not necessarily force them to pick up on the things that you do."

Clearly, the 40-year-old veteran has his own methods when it comes to playing with young quarterbacks, and it's rubbed off on the Browns' newest starter.

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Charlie Baduini

Charlie Baduini is a freelance NBA writer with The Sporting News. He is a content editor and writer with a wide variety of sports reporting experience in live broadcasting and print media.