The quarterback drama in Cleveland has been one of the biggest stories in the NFL this year. Fans have debated whether the team should stick with veterans or hand the reins to the rookies. Shedeur Sanders has been at the center of much of that talk, even before he has taken a starting snap.
The Browns sit at 1–3 to open the season. Joe Flacco has struggled with turnovers and consistency, and the offense has sputtered under his lead. Calls for change have grown louder each week. Fans are pushing for a change, pointing to both Sanders and rookie Dillon Gabriel as possible answers.
Shedeur Sanders added to the drama with an unusual moment that quickly went viral. When asked about his role, he refused to answer in words. Instead, he gave a silent reaction that left reporters stunned and fans buzzing.
The reporters asked Sanders multiple questions inside the locker room. His response to everything was complete silence. He was asked what else he needed to show to win the coach’s trust, what he thought of Flacco’s performance, and more. Sanders simply acted like he was talking without saying a word.
Shedeur Sanders was quite literally speechless when answering questions about the #Browns QB change ⬇️
(via @Spencito_) pic.twitter.com/RCSdhK2BxY
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 1, 2025
Now, Cleveland has officially turned to Gabriel as the starter. Flacco has been benched, but the debate has not ended. Many still believe Sanders should get his shot sooner rather than later. Others argue he is not yet ready and needs time to develop behind the scenes.
The quarterback situation in Cleveland remains unsettled. The Browns have cycled through dozens of starters in recent decades, and the uncertainty continues in 2025. Gabriel has a chance to stabilize the position, but pressure from fans and analysts ensures Sanders will stay in the spotlight.
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski Has Picked Dillon Gabriel as QB1
Joe Flacco brings a veteran presence to the lineup. That was one of the main reasons why he was being preferred as the starting quarterback in the first four weeks. However, a string of poor performances has compelled Kevin Stefanski to make a change.
Stefanski recently announced that for the upcoming matchup in London against the Minnesota Vikings, Gabriel will suit up as QB1 for the Browns. He believes that he has earned the right to get this opportunity.
“You just have do everything in your power to get ready for when your number is called,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday. “It’s going to be the first time for Dillon on Sunday, but you try to build off of all your experiences.”
“From the second he’s been here he’s been working really hard. Very intelligent young man. This whole season he’s been learning how to get yourself ready and understand the rhythm of an NFL week and what that looks like as a backup. Obviously, we now feel like he’s ready to go in as the starter,” he added.
Dillon Gabriel has been the backup option from the beginning of the season. But after losing three of four games so far, the Browns are trying out different combinations in the lineup to see if they can achieve better results.
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