The Patriots are 5-2 through the first seven weeks, but the formula to beat their defense has been through the air. The Patriots’ defense allows 235.7 passing yards per game, the ninth-most in the NFL. New England has also allowed quarterbacks to complete passes, giving up a completion on 72.2 percent of passes. Gabriel reached that percentage against the Dolphins amid inclement weather, going 13-for-18 and throwing for 116 yards in Week 7.
While Gabriel and the Browns’ offense picked up momentum with the Week 7 win, Gabriel is treating Week 8 separately from the Dolphins game and the rest of the season. WR Jerry Jeudy, however, believes that once a team gets momentum like Cleveland did in its second win of the season, it’s necessary to build on that boost the next week.
Gabriel has built momentum for himself by stacking the progress he has made since getting drafted in April. According to Jeudy, with every start that Gabriel has made this season, the third-round pick has developed. Jeudy said that he hopes this week is the week where Gabriel’s progress translates into a big passing game.
“Every game he’s just gaining confidence, understanding the speed of the game, knowing where to go with the ball and recognizing coverages,” Jeudy said. “I feel like he’s just getting better each week, and that’s what we need from him.”
Gabriel said that he has become more comfortable with each start, with the game against the Patriots slated to be the fourth of his career. While Gabriel has stayed turnover-free and helped the Browns move the ball down the field, he acknowledged there is room to grow.
“There’s still a lot for me to learn, and I hope I never stop learning,” Gabriel said. “I want to continue to learn and get better, and that’s what I would say. But like I said, it’s day by day. It’s week by week. You’re going to continue to grow, and you want to keep that going in a positive direction.”