Rookie quarterback Gabriel is set to make his first NFL start this weekend as the Cleveland Browns take on the Vikings in London.
The organization announced on midweek that they are benching Flacco after his difficulties directing the attack during the initial quartet of contests.
"Ever since he joined the team, his dedication has been evident," commented head coach Stefanski. "His football IQ is impressive. His practice performance has been solid, and throughout the year he’s been learning how to get yourself ready and grasp the flow of an professional football week and how it operates as a backup. Clearly, now feel like he is prepared as a starter."
Cleveland hold a 1-3 record and are ranked next-to-last in scoring this campaign, putting up only 14 points each outing. The team has scored 17 points or fewer in nine consecutive matches dating back to the previous year.
Gabriel will be the fifth unique quarterback in the Browns’ previous ten contests, following a series of other passers.
Questions Regarding Sanders Continue
The move to Gabriel is certain to revive questions about whether Shedeur Sanders may ultimately feature as Cleveland’s starter. He has been the third-string quarterback through the opening month.
Sanders, the offspring of NFL legend Deion Sanders, attracted significant notice when he dropped to the fifth round of the recent draft after many thought he would go in the first two. He completed 17 of 29 passes for 152 passing yards and two scores in preseason action.
The Rookie’s Journey and Exhibition Performance
The new starter was chosen in round three of the spring draft. He has taken the field in a pair of matches – the Baltimore game and the Detroit contest – and has gone 3-for-3 for 19 yards and one TD.
He was named the backup quarterback at the end of training camp after the team dealt Pickett to the Raiders.
During the preseason, Gabriel guided the offense to scores on five out of seven possessions. He also orchestrated a pair of late first-half drives against the Eagles and Rams.
In his pair of preseason games, Gabriel connected on 25 out of 37 throws for 272 yards with a TD and a pick.
Factors Behind the Flacco Decision
The rationale is clear why the Browns benched Flacco. Out of 33 passers who have thrown 56-plus passes, the veteran is ranked lowest with a 60.3 rating, has the second-worst completion rate (58.1%) and his six interceptions are the second-highest total.
The 18-year veteran completed only 16 of 34 passes for 184 yards, two picks and a fumble in the previous 34-10 loss to Detroit.
The team's attack is sitting at 27th for total yardage (279.8 per game), 20th in passing (195 per game) and 30th for rushing (84.8 yards per game).
