In a bold move ahead of their Week 5 clash against the Minnesota Vikings in London, the Cleveland Browns have benched veteran quarterback Joe Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel. This decision comes on the heels of a disappointing start to the season, where the Browns have struggled offensively, averaging just 14 points per game—the second-lowest in the NFL.
Flacco, 40, has faced criticism for his performance, which has included multiple turnovers, totaling eight in the first four games. His inability to spark the offense led head coach Kevin Stefanski to seek a change. Gabriel, who was a high-profile selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, will now take the reins as the Browns aim to turn their season around.
Fans and analysts alike are keen to see how Gabriel, making his first NFL start, will handle the pressure on an international stage. The rookie quarterback has shown promise during the preseason, where he completed 12 of 19 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. However, the transition to a starting role in a struggling offense presents significant challenges, especially with the Browns' offensive line issues and the absence of key receivers like Cedric Tillman, who has been placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury.
The shift to Gabriel has sparked discussions about the future of the Browns' quarterback situation, particularly with Shedeur Sanders remaining as the third-string option. Sanders made headlines with his unconventional media approach, providing silent answers during interviews following the announcement of Gabriel's promotion.
As the Browns prepare to face the Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the spotlight will be heavily on Gabriel. The pressure is on him to reinvigorate a team that has been characterized as an underdog and has faced its share of hard luck. British fans, who have been loyal to the Browns despite their struggles, are eager to see if this change will mark a turning point for the franchise.
With momentum shifting and expectations high, the Browns will look to capitalize on this pivotal moment in their season, hoping that Gabriel can bring the offensive spark they desperately need.