Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel Shine as Joe Flacco’s Performance Under Scrutiny in Cleveland Browns Week 1 Practice

As the Cleveland Browns kicked off their Week 1 practice, fans were treated to a spectacle of intense quarterback competition, with Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Joe Flacco all vying for their spot under center. But it was the young, dynamic talents of Sanders and Gabriel that stole the spotlight, leaving many wondering how long veteran Flacco could hold onto his place in the team’s quarterback rotation. The practice session was a microcosm of the excitement, tension, and pressure that comes with NFL roster battles. With rookie quarterbacks making waves and a veteran star under fire, the first week of Browns’ practice was filled with drama and intrigue that has set the stage for what promises to be a season full of surprises.

The Stage: Cleveland Browns Week 1 Practice

The Cleveland Browns are entering a pivotal season after a rollercoaster of ups and downs in recent years. After showing glimpses of potential, the team has made it clear that they are ready to take the next step in their quest for NFL glory. Quarterback play has been a major point of focus for the team, with questions surrounding whether the Browns can find stability and success under center. In Week 1 of their preseason practice, the Browns were eager to evaluate their quarterbacks to determine who would be the best fit to lead their offense in 2025.

Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, a former Super Bowl MVP, has always been a reliable figure in the NFL, but as the team moves forward, many feel that his time as a starter may be running out. Enter Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, two young quarterbacks who have already shown flashes of brilliance in college football. Sanders, the standout from Colorado who’s quickly turned heads with his poise and leadership, has quickly emerged as a rising star. Gabriel, from Oklahoma, brings a wealth of college experience and a strong arm that could offer a new dimension to the Browns’ offense.

But the real question on everyone’s mind was how long Flacco could continue to hold off the young guns for the starting role.

Shedeur Sanders: The Future Is Now

Shedeur Sanders has taken the football world by storm with his rapid ascent in college football, and his arrival in Cleveland has had fans buzzing. Known for his high football IQ, calm demeanor under pressure, and ability to make pinpoint throws, Sanders’ development has been nothing short of impressive. His decision to transfer to the University of Colorado under his father, Deion Sanders, only added to the hype, as Shedeur showcased his potential to thrive at the next level.

During the Browns’ Week 1 practice, Sanders didn’t disappoint. His ability to read defenses, make adjustments at the line, and throw with precision was on full display. Despite the competition around him, Sanders carried himself with the confidence of a veteran, connecting on multiple deep throws and showing off his mobility in the pocket. Sanders looked comfortable running the offense and quickly developed chemistry with the team’s wide receivers, even impressing the coaching staff with his leadership in the huddle.

While Sanders wasn’t handed the starting role, his performance was undoubtedly one of the most talked-about aspects of practice. Many observers were quick to note that he possessed qualities that could make him a future star in the NFL. Sanders’ ability to maintain poise in high-pressure moments, his vision downfield, and his accuracy on the move left no question that he is a serious contender for the starting job, even if it means taking over sooner than some might have expected.

Dillon Gabriel: The Strong Arm, the Future Weapon

Dillon Gabriel, who had an impressive career at the University of Oklahoma, entered the Browns’ training camp with a chip on his shoulder. A dual-threat quarterback with impressive arm strength, Gabriel’s ability to make every throw in the playbook gave him an edge in a competition that already featured some heavy hitters. Gabriel’s speed and agility were apparent during Week 1’s practice as he quickly demonstrated that he can be a dual threat—making plays with both his arm and legs.

Though Gabriel may not have the same name recognition as Sanders, he has a unique skill set that could make him a major asset to the Browns. His ability to extend plays with his legs while keeping his eyes downfield impressed both coaches and scouts. Gabriel connected on several highlight-worthy passes, including deep shots that had the crowd roaring with excitement. His poise under pressure and ability to read defenses made him an immediate asset to the Browns’ offense.

While Sanders may have a slight edge in terms of polish, Gabriel’s natural ability to make plays with his legs gives him a different dimension that can be very effective in today’s fast-paced NFL. If Gabriel can continue to show growth in the coming weeks, he could make a serious case for himself as the starter, providing a more mobile option under center.

Joe Flacco: The Veteran Under Scrutiny

For many, Joe Flacco’s presence in Cleveland has been an enigma. After a long, storied career with the Baltimore Ravens, where he led the team to a Super Bowl victory, Flacco moved to the Browns with the hope of providing veteran leadership to a relatively young quarterback room. However, with the rise of Sanders and Gabriel, Flacco’s role is now in question.

At the start of Week 1’s practice, Flacco showed glimpses of his former self, throwing with velocity and accuracy. Yet, despite his experience, it was clear that Flacco was beginning to show signs of slowing down. His mobility in the pocket wasn’t what it used to be, and he struggled at times to keep up with the faster-paced offense that Sanders and Gabriel were running.

Flacco’s arm strength was still evident on certain throws, but his inability to consistently connect with receivers on deep passes and his lack of mobility made it clear that the future of the Cleveland Browns’ offense may not include him as a starter. There was no denying Flacco’s experience and leadership, but in today’s NFL, those attributes alone may not be enough to keep him in the starting role.

How Long Can Joe Flacco Hold On?

While Flacco’s veteran presence and experience are valuable to the team, the reality is that his window as a starter in the NFL is closing. The Browns’ Week 1 practice highlighted the growing competition, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that the team’s future is leaning toward youth, with Sanders and Gabriel representing the next wave of talent that could lead the Browns back to prominence.

Flacco is likely to remain a part of the quarterback room, offering mentorship and guidance to Sanders and Gabriel as they continue to develop. However, with his struggles in practice and the rise of the younger quarterbacks, it seems unlikely that Flacco will be able to hold on to the starting role much longer.

The Road Ahead: Who Will Start for the Browns?

As the Browns move forward into the preseason and continue their practice sessions, the quarterback competition will only intensify. Sanders and Gabriel have shown that they have the tools to succeed at the next level, and their performance during Week 1 has raised the stakes for the Browns’ coaching staff. Flacco, while still a valuable asset, may find himself relegated to a backup role as the team looks toward the future.

It’s clear that the future of the Browns’ quarterback position is in the hands of the young quarterbacks. With their talent, work ethic, and leadership abilities, Sanders and Gabriel have already shown that they are ready to compete at the highest level. While Flacco’s time in Cleveland may be winding down, the stage is set for one of these young quarterbacks to rise and take command of the Browns’ offense.

The coming weeks of training camp and preseason games will be critical in determining who ultimately earns the starting job, but one thing is for certain: the Browns’ quarterback position is in good hands for the future.