What's Happening?
The Cleveland Browns have announced that rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel will start in their upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings in London. This decision comes as veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is moved to a backup role due to his recent struggles, particularly his lack of mobility, which has been exacerbated by the absence of both starting tackles. Gabriel, a third-round pick in April, was not expected to start this early in his career. However, the Browns are looking for a change to revitalize their offense, which has been underperforming this season. Gabriel's debut is notable as he will be the first quarterback in NFL history to make his first career start in an International Series game.
Why It's Important?
This move is significant for the Browns as they seek to stabilize their quarterback situation, which has been a point of contention since 1999. Gabriel brings a wealth of experience from his college career, having played at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, and setting records for the most career starts and passing touchdowns in FBS history. His experience is expected to be an asset against the Vikings' defense, led by Brian Flores, known for its complexity. The decision to start Gabriel also highlights the Browns' urgency to improve their performance as they face a challenging schedule, including a quick turnaround for a divisional game against the Pittsburgh Steelers after returning from London.
What's Next?
Following the game in London, the Browns will have to quickly prepare for a divisional matchup against the Steelers without the benefit of a bye week. This will test Gabriel's ability to adapt and perform under pressure in consecutive high-stakes games. The Browns hope that Gabriel's performance can bring some stability to their quarterback position and provide a spark to their offense. Meanwhile, the Vikings, having already been overseas for a week, will pose a formidable challenge, adding to the complexity of Gabriel's debut.
