Dillon Gabriel finally made his debut with the Cleveland Browns in the second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie completed 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards, threw an interception, and had a lost fumble on a handoff.
However, what drew the most attention to Gabriel was a statement he made during the game when he was interviewed by ABC News 5 Cleveland, which seemed like a subtle shot at Shedeur Sanders.
“It’s just part of it. There’s entertainers and there’s competitors. I totally understand that. My job is to compete. That’s what I’m focused on doing. I just want to be the best teammate I can and create an environment where we can all go and do our best work. That’s all I want to do.”
Who is Browns’ starting QB?
Joe Flacco will be the starting quarterback for the Browns unless the veteran suffers an injury in the final days of preseason. The veteran has taken almost all the reps with the first team during training camp and appears to be the choice of head coach Kevin Stefanski.
The big dilemma lies in the other two spots on the roster. Kenny Pickett had the edge to be the No. 2, but he hasn’t been able to play in the preseason due to injury, and the final spot seems to be a very close battle between Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Both have started one game and missed another due to injury. Now, Gabriel’s comments have fueled the controversy in the race between the two rookies to remain on the roster.
After his comments in Philadelphia, which had already become a social media scandal, Gabriel tried to clarify things in the post-game press conference. “I’m all about our team and each other. I would never make that (take a shot at Sanders). For me, I’ve explained it, entertainers are you all. Competitor, that’s what I am and all my teammates. We both have jobs to do. So, that’s it.”