The Cleveland Browns are leaning towards rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel over Shedeur Sanders, evident from preseason performance and trust shown in their depth chart.
The Browns made a statement with their unofficial depth chart placements throughout August, consistently ranking Gabriel above Sanders. In the preseason games where one played due to the other’s injury, both rookies had their chances to impress. Sanders showcased his skills against the Carolina Panthers, while Gabriel shined against the Philadelphia Eagles.
According to Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, the Browns’ reliance on Gabriel was evident through their strategic use of pre-snap motion percentages. Gabriel saw significantly more pre-snap motion, especially on critical third downs, compared to Sanders. These stats hint at the Browns’ preference for Gabriel as they head into their Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Gabriel, a third-round pick in this year’s draft, seems to have gained the trust of the Browns coaching staff over Sanders. The stark contrast in pre-snap motion usage between the two quarterbacks further emphasizes this growing confidence in Gabriel’s abilities.
As the Browns prepare for the regular season, all eyes will be on Gabriel and Sanders to see how the quarterback situation unfolds. The performance and decision-making of these rookie signal-callers will play a crucial role in shaping the Browns’ offensive strategy moving forward.
Heading into their Week 1 showdown, it is clear that Gabriel’s preseason showing has earned him the nod over Sanders in the eyes of the Browns’ coaching staff. The trust and opportunities given to Gabriel indicate a promising start to his NFL journey and a potential key role in the Browns’ quarterback rotation.