
Before kickoff in Philadelphia, Cleveland fans got a moment to smile. Rookie quarterbackShedeur Sanders was spotted on the field tossing short passes with David Njoku, the Browns’ Pro Bowl tight end. It wasn’t part of game action Sanders was still sidelined with an oblique strain but those light throws showed both comfort and chemistry. The pair laughed, exchanged words, and gave fans a glimpse of what could be a dangerous connection once Sanders is fully healthy.
But once the game started, the rookie QB in charge was Dillon Gabriel. The Browns handed him the reins for their Week 2 preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, and while Cleveland came out on top with a 22-13 win, Gabriel’s outing had plenty of ups and downs. He finished 13 of 18 for 143 yards, showing poise in moments, but also threw a costly interception returned for a touchdown by Eagles rookie Andrew Mukuba. He later had a mishandled exchange that ended in a fumble, highlighting the growing pains of a young quarterback under pressure.
Comparing Sanders’ strong debut to Gabriel’s mixed performance
Comparing the numbers of both rookies tells the story clearly. In his preseason debut the week before against the Panthers, Shedeur Sanders looked sharp, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, adding 19 yards on the ground with no turnovers. Gabriel, meanwhile, moved the ball efficiently against the Eagles but saw his night marred by a pick six and ball security issues.
The Browns’ 22-13 win was encouraging, but it also raised questions about depth at quarterback. Sanders’ poise in his debut set a high bar, while Gabriel flashed potential but showed why turnovers can swing momentum in an instant.
For head coach Kevin Stefanski, it’s about patience. Sanders is recovering “day to day” and won’t be rushed back, but the Browns know they need stability under center as Week 1 against the Bengals approaches. With veteran Joe Flacco atop the depth chart, the rookies are battling for positioning and every rep counts.
For now, Cleveland fans can hold on to two things: the hope that Sanders and Njoku’s pregame chemistry turns into a real Sunday weapon soon, and the reminder that Gabriel, despite mistakes, has the raw tools to grow. Preseason is all about finding answers, and for the Browns, those answers may come sooner than expected.
This news was originally published on this post .
Be the first to leave a comment