The Cleveland Browns opened the preseason on a high note, led by Colorado rookie Shedeur Sanders. He delivered an impressive performance, especially with Oregon rookie Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett sidelined by hamstring injuries.
Sanders threw for 138 yards and two touchdowns in three quarters, but Gabriel still appears to have the edge — not only on the depth chart but also in the pecking order for regular-season action. Even when Gabriel plays, the Browns’ coaching staff seems to trust him more.
At least that’s what NFL insider Albert Breer believes.
“At this point, they would feel more comfortable putting Dillon Gabriel in a regular-season game than they would Shedeur Sanders. That doesn’t mean that can’t change.”
Breer, speaking on 92.3 The Fan, said Gabriel is significantly ahead of Sanders in the eyes of the coaching staff.
“I don’t think a few throws in a preseason game is going to be the change agent that people want it to be,” Breer added.
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It’s not so much about fans wanting a specific narrative to shift, but if Gabriel doesn’t see the field in one of the next two preseason games, Sanders’ popularity will only grow. Even when both quarterbacks played in college last season, Sanders outperformed him.
Still, Gabriel was drafted two rounds earlier and carries enough draft capital to keep him ahead on the depth chart. During Wednesday morning’s joint practice between the Browns and Eagles, Sanders went more than an hour without a first-team rep.
If Gabriel isn’t healthy enough to start Saturday’s preseason game against the Eagles, coach Kevin Stefanski said Sanders will get the nod once again — giving him another golden chance to close the gap in this quarterback competition.