For most of the fanbase of the Cleveland Browns, the NFL draft and what happens with HC Kevin Stefanski (and, maybe a lesser extent GM Andrew Berry) is what is left to focus on for the 2025 NFL season and beyond. To a lesser extent (and fans of the player), whether QB Shedeur Sanders will get a chance on the field this season is also a talking point and focus.
For the franchise, QB Dillon Gabriel is the focus for now and, potentially, into the future.
In his debut as the team’s starter, Gabriel’s stat
line was quite simple: 19 for 33, 190 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also rushed twice for five yards. While no one is writing his future in stone after one game, there is plenty to break down about the performance, including the rookie playing it safe, admittedly, at big points in the game.
A look at Gabriel’s passing chart shows a few interesting things:
First, clearly the left-handed Gabriel was getting the ball out to the left side of the offense the most, with 23 of his 33 attempts going to that side of the field, including a couple over the middle but slightly left. Second, we see just one attempt that is 20 yards deep, to WR Isaiah Bond during the last possession with under 30 seconds left:
Finally, just six of his 19 completions were throws beyond five yards of the line of scrimmage.
The Dillon Gabriel experience is just starting. It will be interesting if Cleveland’s game plan and his decision making change significantly as the weeks roll on. This week, with a somewhat short week (at least with rest), could look similar to Week 5, but Week 7 and beyond could see more deep throws and the ball spread around the field a little more.
What do you see looking at Gabriel’s passing chart? Anything else stand out to you? Do you think things will change in the next few weeks?
Share your thoughts with us and each other in the comment section below
