Major Threat Emerges For Shedeur Sanders That Puts His NFL Career In Jeopardy
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Shedeur Sanders has received most of the attention in the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition. Deshaun Watson has also stayed in the discussion throughout the offseason, while Dillon Gabriel has been largely overlooked.
However, analyst Lance Reisland believes people shouldn’t write Gabriel off just yet. He says the former Browns quarterback deserves a fair chance to prove himself under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken before anyone decides where he stands in the quarterback battle.
Lance Reisland Says Dillon Gabriel Still Deserves A Chance
Reisland acknowledged that Sanders had a greater impact during his rookie season. Still, he noted that Gabriel faced many of the same problems on offense.
“The idea that Dillon Gabriel could emerge as the Browns’ starting quarterback isn’t as far-fetched as some people believe,” Reisland said.
Reisland said Gabriel had to deal with an inconsistent offensive line and did not get enough help from the running game or his receivers. He also pointed out that the Browns struggled to move the ball and score points throughout the season.
He believes the team has fixed many of those problems this offseason. According to Reisland, the Browns have improved their offensive line, added more talent at wide receiver and tight end, and strengthened the backfield with the addition of running back Quinshon Judkins.
“This system is built on finding space and creating opportunities for playmakers,” Reisland said.
Gabriel started six games for Cleveland last season and finished with a 1-5 record. He completed 59.5% of his passes for 937 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. A concussion ended his season and opened the door for Sanders to start the final seven games.
Even so, Reisland stopped short of predicting Gabriel would win the job.
“I don’t really care who wins the job,” he said. “If Deshaun Watson is the best quarterback, he should play. If Shedeur Sanders continues the progress he showed during his starts and earns it, he should play. And if a new coaching staff and a new system help Dillon Gabriel find a role in that quarterback room, that’s a possibility too.”
Trade rumors have surrounded Gabriel because Cleveland now has four quarterbacks, including Sanders, Watson, rookie Taylen Green, and Gabriel. Despite that, Gabriel has stayed focused. In April, he said he planned to keep “running my own race and developing each day and getting better.”
Todd Monken also confirmed that Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson will continue to split important practice reps during training camp. That gives Gabriel a chance to make his case. If he plays well in the preseason, he could quickly work his way back into the Browns’ quarterback scenario.
