The Cleveland Browns have one of the biggest quarterback battles happening in the NFL. Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders are all angling for the presumed three slots on the 53-man roster.
More news: Ben Roethlisberger Predicts Steelers Will Cut Surprising Preseason Star
There are reports that the Browns might take all four into the regular season, which is usually unheard of. However, injuries have started to iron out some questions regarding how the quarterback battle might shake out.
Injuries to Pickett and Gabriel led to Sanders starting the first preseason game. Sanders answered the call with an impressive showing. He moved well with his legs and threw into tight windows for two touchdowns.
Sanders ended his NFL debut with 14-for-23 attempts, two touchdowns, and four carries for 19 yards.
Nick Cammett/Getty Images
More news: Browns Urged to Cut Shocking Quarterback in Big Training Camp Move
Unfortunately, Sanders joined the other passers on the team and sustained an oblique injury that has kept him out of the Browns’ second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
With Sanders and Pickett injured, Gabriel got the start, and he can now show why he was listed above Sanders on the depth chart. That said, did he do better than his competition?
What Are Dillon Gabriel’s Stats in Browns’ Debut?
Gabriel put together a decent preseason debut. He completed 13-for-18 attempts for 143 yards and no touchdowns. He also picked up one yard on two carries.
Gabriel was also sacked twice for a loss of 11 yards, and he threw one interception that was returned for a touchdown. He also had a fumble loss on a bad handoff.
Did Dillon Gabriel do Better Than Shedeur Sanders?
Gabriel did showcase some great skills, leading the offense and moving the chains. He showcased some good accuracy, but he had a massive mistake with the pick-six that occurred.
Gabriel attempted to force the ball into double coverage and paid the price for it. Andrew Mukuba jumped in front of the pass easily and ran the ball in for a big defensive score.
Gabriel also botched a handoff to his running back in the second quarter, leading to another defensive play from Mukuba.
The biggest responsibility for a quarterback is to protect the ball, and Gabriel failed to do so. Despite having some good stats, those mistakes would point to Sanders having a better debut.
Sanders also threw two touchdowns and had slightly less yardage than Gabriel. Both showcased command of the offense, but the mistakes from Gabriel cannot be ignored.
Currently, it would be safe to say that Sanders had a better debut. The rookies showing out the way they did might also be bad news for Pickett or Flacco.
For more Browns and NFL news, head to Newsweek Sports.