The Cleveland Browns finally gave rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel a shot on Sunday, and early assessment has people asking why it took so long. Playing overseas at Wembley Stadium against the Minnesota Vikings, the third-round selection from Oregon looked every bit like an NFL starter.
ESPN analyst Ryan Clark was blunt on X during the game as he didn’t mince his words on the Browns’ quarterback situation pertaining to this game, suggesting that the Cleveland-based side may have missed a trick not starting Gabriel earlier in the season.
“The Browns wasted 4 weeks with Joe Flacco starting at QB. Dillon Gabriel should have started week 1!,” Clark wrote on X.
The Browns wasted 4 weeks with Joe Flacco starting at QB. Dillon Gabriel should have started week 1!
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) October 5, 2025
Clark’s words gained momentum as Gabriel led the Browns down the field in London. The rookie quarterback completed 7 of his first 10 passes for 43 yards, culminating in a 47-yard drive that ended with Cleveland’s first touchdown of the day.
Gabriel’s second touchdown pass as a pro came on the opening drive. After showing he could stay calm in the pocket, Gabriel elegantly delivered the ball to rookie tight end Harold Fannin in the flat on the left side, and Fannin waltzed into the end zone from a yard out to give Cleveland a 7-0 advantage.
Dillon Gabriel Rewards Stefanski’s Trust With Strong NFL Start
The decision to start Gabriel came after Cleveland stumbled to a disappointing 1-3 record, with 40-year-old Joe Flacco under center. Head coach Kevin Stefanski had seen enough. Despite Flacco’s experience and his memorable run with the Browns late last season, the offense looked static and predictable.
Meanwhile, the second quarter told a more complete story of Gabriel’s game. After the Vikings knotted things up at 7-7, the rookie faced adversity, forcing Cleveland into an uncomfortable situation.
Gabriel found Jerry Jeudy over the middle on the next play. Officials initially ruled it a completion, but replay showed otherwise. This resulted in Cleveland punting for the fourth time.
Dillon Gabriel throws a TD in his first start 🇬🇧 @NFLUKIRE
MINvsCLE on @nflnetwork
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/vYJzi9VaOT— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2025
But Gabriel bounced back. With under two minutes remaining in the half, he scored a six-yard connection with Jeudy.
Stefanski demonstrated trust in his young quarterback by alerting the offense to go for it on fourth down. Gabriel repaid that faith by converting another fourth down with throw to Jeudy all the way to the Minnesota 29-yard line.
There are just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter and the Cleveland Browns, leads the game 17-13 over the Vikings. It will be interesting to see if Gabriel is able to see the Browns to the finish line.
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