The Cleveland Browns are a team in turmoil. With an abysmal 0-2 start to the season, and star defensive end Myles Garrett openly calling the situation “embarrassing” [00:06:25 in previous context], the pressure on head coach Kevin Stefanski and his entire coaching staff is reaching a boiling point. But as if the on-field struggles weren’t enough, the team’s quarterback situation has once again become a hotbed of controversy, fueled by recent comments from rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel. His remarks about sharing reps with Shedeur Sanders have gone viral, adding another dramatic layer to what many are now calling an “Oscar-worthy” saga.

The Browns’ Dire Start: A Team Drowning in Desperation

Cleveland’s start to the 2025 season has been nothing short of disastrous. The offense has been stagnant, showing a glaring lack of cohesion and effectiveness. With an NFL-low 2.4 yards per carry in the first half of games, and a troubling five dropped passes through two games, the offensive unit looks lost. This marks the first time in franchise history that the Browns have started 0-2 while still outgaining their opponents, a statistic that speaks volumes about their inability to convert opportunities into points and secure victories.

Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who was supposed to provide a steady hand, has instead contributed to the team’s woes. His performances have been marred by turnovers, leaving fans and analysts questioning his effectiveness. In the last two games alone, Flacco has accounted for two turnovers, and many predict he’s due for more, potentially leading to his imminent benching. The team finds itself on the brink of an 0-3 record, with some boldly predicting they won’t secure a win until Shedeur Sanders is finally given the starting nod.

Dillon Gabriel’s Viral Comments: An Unexpected Twist

Amidst this chaos, Dillon Gabriel, the third-round rookie quarterback, has found himself in the viral spotlight. In a recent interview, Gabriel addressed the topic of quarterback reps during training camp, a subject that indirectly touches upon the controversial handling of Shedeur Sanders. While Gabriel acknowledged the “not ideal scenario” of the team’s current situation, he emphasized the importance of being ready when his “number is called”.

However, the context of his comments—especially regarding reps—has drawn sharp criticism from some corners. The sentiment is that Shedeur Sanders received very limited reps during training camp, leading to the perception that Gabriel, as a later-round pick, might have gotten an “easy way out” to his current position as backup. As one commentator put it, prior to the draft, “we didn’t know about you… All of a sudden your name is ringing bells when you’re in a quarterback competition against Shedeur Sanders. You go anywhere else, bro, you just a fly on the wall. No one cares about you”. This highlights the belief that Gabriel’s current visibility is less about his inherent talent and more about the perceived “NFL hating on Shedeur”.

Gabriel’s own words about disliking the “scenario that played out” have been met with a retort that he’s “lucky to even be in the damn league,” suggesting that without the Shedeur Sanders narrative, his path would have been far less clear.

The Impending Quarterback Change: Flacco Out, Gabriel In?

The immediate future of the Browns’ quarterback position appears to be shifting rapidly. There’s a strong belief that Joe Flacco’s tenure as the starter is nearing its end. Many are predicting that if Flacco continues his struggles, particularly in the upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers, Dillon Gabriel will be inserted into the lineup. “Word on the street is that Joe Flacco is going to get a quarter. If he do not hold up within this first half of football, we’re going to see Dillon Gabriel. Ain’t no doubt about it”.

Former NFL coach Herman Edwards weighed in on Gabriel, acknowledging that the Browns “like Dillon Gabriel a lot” and that he had a “nice camp” and “looked decent in the preseason”. Edwards noted Gabriel’s ability to “get the ball out” quickly and accurately, describing him as a “rhythm thrower”. This positive assessment suggests a readiness that the coaching staff might be eager to tap into, especially if the team’s losing streak continues.

The consensus is that Gabriel might get “three games, top” to prove himself. If he fails to turn the tide, particularly if he’s “throwing interceptions in practice,” then the spotlight will inevitably turn to Shedeur Sanders.

Shedeur Sanders: The Shadow Waiting to Shine

Underneath the immediate controversy surrounding Gabriel and the struggles of Flacco, looms the undeniable presence of Shedeur Sanders. His “no backup” mentality, as explored in previous discussions, positions him as a player who expects to be the starter, not a bench warmer. The continuous struggles of the Browns, combined with Gabriel’s potential limited impact, could accelerate Sanders’s path to the field.

The narrative suggests that the NFL itself has been inadvertently hyping Sanders by constantly “leaking” stories about him, despite him not yet playing a regular-season snap. From wearing his hat backward to declining prestigious teams like the Ravens and Eagles because he wanted a direct path to playing time, Sanders has remained a captivating figure. This reinforces the idea that “the NFL needs Shedeur Sanders” to generate interest and drama, perhaps more than he needs the league for his personal brand and success.

The eventual insertion of Shedeur Sanders is seen by many as an inevitability, especially if the Browns’ losing ways persist. “I don’t believe they win a game until they push Shedeur in”. This isn’t just a football prediction; it’s a belief rooted in the dramatic potential and the unique aura surrounding the young quarterback.

A Season of Unfolding Drama: “Oscar Worthy”

The Cleveland Browns’ season is shaping up to be a compelling drama, a “long ass movie” with “scene after scene” of unfolding tension. The current quarterback crisis, fueled by Flacco’s struggles, Gabriel’s viral comments, and Sanders’s looming presence, is creating an enthralling narrative that extends beyond the gridiron.

The frustration among fans, the visible struggles of the team, and the internal dynamics of the quarterback room are all ingredients for a truly “Oscar-worthy” storyline. Whether it culminates in a dramatic turnaround led by a rookie or a complete collapse, the Browns are providing a season full of unexpected twists and turns that will keep everyone watching. The pressure is on, the stakes are high, and the football world is eager to see how this dramatic chapter in Cleveland’s history unfolds.