FOX Sports analyst Terry Bradshaw expressed admiration for the performance of Cleveland Browns rookie Dillon Gabriel against the Minnesota Vikings. Gabriel made his starting NFL debut on Sunday, stepping in for Joe Flacco while Shedeur Sanders remained third on the QB depth chart. It comes after Sanders offered a strange response when asked about the Browns’ quarterback change.
The Browns’ 2025 third-round pick delivered a confident performance against Minnesota in a setback to Sanders‘ efforts to secure meaningful playing time. The 24-year-old completed 19 out of 33 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, despite the Browns ultimately losing to Minnesota, 21-17. The defeat came after Carson Wentz led the Vikings downfield on a touchdown drive, connecting with Jordan Addison for a game-winning score with just 25 seconds remaining.
Gabriel’s performance likely boosted his standing with head coach Kevin Stefanski. It appears that Gabriel – who had his say on Sanders’ miming – is now Cleveland’s starter, with Flacco as his backup and Sanders as the third-string quarterback. Despite any previous speculation about Sanders getting game time this season, those hopes were dampened by Gabriel’s impressive performance.
“I like Gabriel,” Bradshaw commented during FOX NFL Sunday’s coverage. “I watched him a little bit today I like what I saw with this guy.”
Bradshaw wasn’t alone in his praise for Gabriel. Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard also commended the Browns rookie, predicting he is “going to be good” for Cleveland moving forward following his starting debut.
“I think he did pretty good,” Greenard told reporters post-game. “Ultimately, he didn’t do anything for them to lose the game, so I think that’s the ultimate part. I’m pretty sure they told him, just take what they give you, don’t create negative plays, don’t try to do too much, don’t be a hero. I think he did just that.
“The kid has a really good arm. I love lefties. I love the way they throw the ball. It’s just weird. Since I was a kid. Big Michael Vick fan. Yeah, man, he’s going to be good. I think ultimately they have a good game plan for him every single week.
“Obviously they’re going to continue to keep him there. Yeah, he’s going to be good.”
Nevertheless, the loss sent Cleveland tumbling to 1-4 for the season, with their upcoming matchup taking them to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers, who sit at 3-1 and will be fresh off their bye week.
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Following his inaugural start, Gabriel reflected: “I think I learned little details. Definitely was ready for that. But all the details come down to it. And I think in any game you’re going to want four to five plays back.
“Of course, the result will feel different, and maybe your four to five plays may feel different. But that’s the game we live and play in.
“Got to be better in those four to five plays is what and why you continue to work as hard as you do.”