Dillon Gabriel shines despite Browns' loss to Vikings
- Dillon Gabriel made his first start as the Cleveland Browns quarterback in their game against the Minnesota Vikings.
- He completed 19 of 33 pass attempts, throwing for 190 yards and two touchdowns in a loss that left the team 1-4 this season.
- Despite the defeat, Gabriel demonstrated his leadership and potential as he called for improvement and competitive spirit among his teammates.
In London, England, on October 1, 2025, the Cleveland Browns faced the Minnesota Vikings with a new starting quarterback. Dillon Gabriel, the rookie signal caller, was chosen to replace veteran Joe Flacco after the team struggled with a 1-4 record. In his debut, Gabriel completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards and showcased his leadership skills despite the team suffering a disappointing defeat. While he did not secure a victory, his performance indicated promise for the Browns moving forward. Gabriel also noted the need for his teammates to step up and embrace their competitive spirit. Gabriel's transition into the starting role marked a significant moment in his career and for the Browns, who have faced an uncertain quarterback situation throughout the 2025 season. After a complex pre-season involving multiple quarterbacks and a trade involving Kenny Pickett, the team opted for Flacco, expecting him to lead. However, with the continued underperformance, head coach Kevin Stefanski decided to pivot and give Gabriel the chance to prove himself against the Vikings. The starting opportunity came at a crucial time when the team desperately needed to find a reliable quarterback to help turn their season around. In addition to Gabriel's passing stats, he also showed mobility, picking up five yards on the ground despite facing pressure that led to two sacks. His ability to maintain composure under pressure and manage the game effectively provided a glimpse of his potential. Following the game, Gabriel expressed his determination for improvement and called on his teammates to demonstrate resilience and commitment, indicating his desire to establish a stronger team culture. Looking ahead, the Browns are set to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, another challenging match for Gabriel and the offense. As they move forward, the key question remains whether Gabriel has done enough to solidify his position as the starting quarterback or if the team will continue to explore other options, such as fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders. Gabriel's performance suggests that he may have earned more playing time, but the team's focus will likely remain on improving their overall performance and beginning to climb out of their disappointing start to the season.