Kristina Roberts
Football can be full of surprises. Sometimes a player shines brighter than expected, and other times, things do not go the way fans hope. That was the case in the Cleveland Browns’ last preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams. The game ended with the Browns winning 19-17, but the real story was about two young quarterbacks fighting for their place in the team—Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
The Browns have been carrying four quarterbacks through training camp, which is unusual for most NFL teams. But as the regular season gets closer, coaches have to make hard choices about who will stay and what role each player will have. Many fans were watching closely to see how Sanders, the rookie quarterback and son of football legend Deion Sanders, would perform. Unfortunately for him, it was not the night he hoped for.
The biggest battle for Sanders this summer has been against Dillon Gabriel, another rookie who was picked in the third round of the draft. Gabriel was chosen two rounds earlier than Sanders, and that draft position already gave him a small advantage. But when it came to proving himself on the field, Gabriel has done even more to show that he deserves a higher spot on the depth chart. In his preseason games, Gabriel looked confident and in control, while Sanders struggled to find his rhythm.
During Saturday’s matchup with the Rams, Gabriel came in after veteran quarterback Joe Flacco played a little more than one quarter. Flacco, who has years of experience, quickly found his rhythm. On Cleveland’s second drive, he completed all four passes and finished with a touchdown throw to rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. That short but strong performance helped him warm up for the regular season, which was the team’s goal in giving him some playing time.
After Flacco, it was Gabriel’s turn. He immediately impressed everyone. In less than a quarter, he completed 12 of his 19 passes for 129 yards and even threw a touchdown. He looked sharp, calm, and ready, as if he had been playing at this level for years. His performance was the kind that makes coaches sit up and take notice. It also made fans wonder if he might end up being the team’s second quarterback instead of just fighting for a backup role.
Then came the moment many fans had been waiting for—Shedeur Sanders taking the field in front of the home crowd. This was his chance to show what he could do, to prove that he belonged on the roster and maybe even challenge Gabriel. But the night did not go the way Sanders had hoped.
Sanders started the second half of the game. On his first four drives, he could not even get a first down. Every possession ended with a punt. By the time he finished his time on the field, he had completed only 3 passes out of 6 attempts for a total of just 14 yards. That number is very low, especially when you consider that Gabriel had gained more than 100 yards in less than a quarter.
Things became even more difficult for Sanders because he was under pressure on many plays. The Rams’ defense kept closing in, and instead of finding a quick solution, Sanders sometimes held the ball too long. This decision cost him heavily—he was sacked five times. For a quarterback, taking that many sacks is a tough sign.
After the game, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski was asked about the performance. He did not put the blame on Sanders alone. “Obviously we didn’t play great as an offense in the second half,” Stefanski said. “That’s never on one person.” His words showed support for Sanders, reminding everyone that football is a team game.
Sanders himself was honest about what happened. He admitted that he made mistakes and that the sacks were his responsibility. “Lot to improve on,” Sanders said, via Zac Jackson of The Athletic. “Those sacks today were definitely on me.” He also added that he “obviously” thought he would make the 53-man roster, which showed that he still believes in his chances.
But for fans watching, the contrast was clear. Gabriel looked ready, sharp, and full of confidence, while Sanders seemed stuck, unable to get the offense moving. It does not mean that Sanders’ career is over—far from it. Many rookies have tough starts, and growth takes time. But at least for now, Gabriel seems to have taken a big step ahead of him.
The Browns’ decision to carry four quarterbacks into the season may give Sanders more time to learn and grow. The NFL is full of stories where players struggle at first and later come back stronger. Sanders has the talent, but he will need patience, hard work, and more game-time experience to show it.
On the other hand, Gabriel has probably pushed himself closer to being the second quarterback on the team, right behind Flacco. For a rookie, that is a huge achievement, especially in such a short time. Coaches love seeing young players step up with confidence, and Gabriel has done just that.
As the Browns move forward into the regular season, the quarterback situation will be one of the most closely watched parts of the team. Will Sanders grow and find his rhythm? Will Gabriel continue to shine? And how long will the Browns keep four quarterbacks on their roster? Only time will tell.
Football is not just about numbers or stats—it’s also about moments, confidence, and how a player handles pressure. Sanders may have struggled in this game, but his honesty in admitting mistakes shows maturity. Gabriel’s strong performance shows promise, and together, both stories remind us that the NFL journey is never easy. It takes courage, patience, and the ability to bounce back. For now, Gabriel’s star is rising, while Sanders faces the challenge of proving himself in the weeks to come.
