The home crowd at Huntington Bank Field didn’t waste any time making their feelings on Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel very clear.
Gabriel entered the game with a 1-4 record as the starter and ranking near the bottom of the league in every major passing category. The Browns’ offense has struggled as a whole this season, averaging just 16.2 points and 265.1 yards per game.
There have been multiple issues with the Browns’ offense, leading to the shift to Tommy Rees as play-caller in Week 10. But Gabriel, the team’s third-round pick, has not provided any kind of spark for the unit.
Against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, it was more of the same from Gabriel early with short, conservative throws. On the team’s second drive, he missed running back Dylan Sampson on what should have been an easy toss. The incompletion immediately drew boos from the Browns fans in the stands.
The boos resurfaced several more times in the first half. After a muffed punt set the Browns up inside the Ravens’ 10-yard line, they couldn’t capitalize, settling for a 24-yard field goal instead of a touchdown.
Gabriel later dirted a routine throw late in the half on third down, drawing another wave of frustration from the home crowd. Chants of “we want Sanders” could also be heard. Gabriel finished the first half with 68 yards on 7-of-10 passing.
UPDATE: Gabriel is in concussion protocol. Shedeur Sanders took over to begin the second half.
The criticism of Gabriel is warranted but also amplified because of who is sitting behind him on the depth chart. Calls have grown in recent weeks for the Browns to replace Gabriel with Sanders.
However, the Browns have shown very little interest in going down that road — at least right now.
“I don’t think it’s fair to speculate,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said this week. “We’re committed to getting better as an offense. Dillon is certainly committed to improving every which way he can. And all the while, all of our players, young players, are developing and working so hard behind the scenes to make sure that they’re getting better on a daily basis.”
Stefanski did offer some rare praise and insight on Sanders in the latter half of the week.
“He’s doing a really nice job, including just now coming off the field with the red zone drill that we did,” Stefanski said. “So, continues to work very hard, doing a nice job in meetings, doing a good job.”
The Browns aren’t ready to turn the reins over to Sanders yet. But if Gabriel continues to struggle, the team will get a shot, per Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
“Depending on how Gabriel comes along, Sanders is still likely to start some games this season, based in part on the fact that the Browns have the two first-round picks in the 2026 draft in a strong quarterback class, and need to know what they already have,” Cabot said.
After Sunday, the Browns have seven games left. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said during training camp that there’s urgency for Cleveland to see if either Gabriel or Sanders can be their long-term solution at quarterback.
“Absolutely. Absolutely,” Haslam said. “But, I mean, Kevin is aware of that. He knows how important quarterback is, and he and (Browns GM) Andrew talk about those kinds of things all the time. It’s a daily ongoing conversation.”
Sanders hasn’t spoken publicly in recent weeks, but he made it clear after the Joe Flacco trade that he’d be ready when his number is called. That moment may be approaching quickly for Cleveland.
As the Baltimore Ravens continue their pursuit of an elite defense in the 2025 season,
“The Ravens want a championship-caliber defense? Then they need someone who can bring the pressure in the middle. I’m ready to come in, wreck plays, and elevate this defense to another level.”
Saunders’ words signal his readiness to take on a prominent role in the Ravens’ defense and be a game-changer for the unit. Known for his explosive strength and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, Saunders brings a unique blend of power, agility, and leadership to the Ravens’ defensive front. As Baltimore aims for another deep playoff run, Saunders’ addition could be the catalyst that pushes their defense over the top.
The Ravens’ defense is already one of the most respected in the league, but there is always room for improvement. Saunders, who has proven himself as one of the league’s top interior defenders, is set to bolster the defensive line and provide the kind of inside pressure that quarterbacks dread. With his ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt plays before they even develop, Saunders will complement a defensive line that already includes talent like
“The middle of the defense is where the pressure has to come from,” Saunders explained. “If you can disrupt the pocket and force the quarterback to make quick decisions, that’s when you start breaking down an offense. I’m here to be that guy who creates chaos, who makes the offense uncomfortable from the inside.”
His promise to bring pressure from the middle is exactly what the Ravens need. Opposing quarterbacks often have the time to settle into their throws when the interior pass rush is weak, but Saunders aims to change that dynamic. With his ability to collapse the pocket and clog up running lanes, he will be a key player in Baltimore’s efforts to dominate in both the passing and running game.
Saunders isn’t just about making plays — he’s about making a difference. The Ravens have their eyes set on a Super Bowl, and they’re assembling a defense that can lead them to that goal. Saunders, who has played in high-pressure games, knows the importance of stepping up when the stakes are highest.
“This team is built to win now, and I’m ready to be part of that,” Saunders said. “We’ve got an incredible defense, and I’m here to add to that. I know the pressure that comes with the expectations, and I’m ready to carry that weight. If we want to take the next step, it’s going to take all of us, and I’m prepared to do my part to help us reach that level.”
Saunders’ leadership and experience will provide a steadying influence on the younger players in the locker room, while his playmaking ability will make him a standout on the field. His drive to elevate his teammates and take the defense to another level reflects the mentality of a championship contender.
As the Ravens head into the second half of the season, Saunders’ addition to the team could be the key to unlocking even greater success. His ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt the offense from the interior makes him an ideal fit for a defense that thrives on creating chaos. With Patrick Queen, Marlon Humphrey, and Roquan Smith already leading the charge, Saunders could be the missing piece to put the Ravens’ defense over the top.
“I’ve been in this league long enough to know what it takes to be great,” Saunders said. “It’s about bringing that intensity every single day, pushing each other, and holding each other accountable. The Ravens have everything we need to be the best, and I’m here to help make that happen.”
With Saunders in the mix, the Ravens’ defense is poised to become one of the most feared units in the NFL. His commitment to bringing the pressure, wrecking plays, and elevating the defense could be the difference that takes the Ravens from a great team to a championship team.