The Cleveland Browns have made a quarterback change ahead of Week 5.
The Browns announced that Joe Flacco has been benched in favor of rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel will get his first career NFL start in England against the Minnesota Vikings.
After Gabriel was announced as the starter, he seemingly took a subtle jab at Shedeur Sanders.
“You know, I think it’s funny, because I got a text from a good buddy of mine and he sent me a picture of a fire station, and it’s kind of like, ‘Why are you sending that?’ But when he sends it, he just lists the obvious, right? Like, doors are open, garage doors are open, like things are ready to go, and like, they’re just waiting on that phone call to like, respond surgically,” Gabriel said to the media.
“Just what a great representation of like the job I have and being ready for that moment,” Gabriel added. “And I think I smile because it’s like a moment you prep for, and you are extremely excited for, but also got to realize that it’s extreme focus and that’s what I’ve continued to harp on. But, you wait for the perfect time, you’re going to wait a whole lifetime. So, for me, I’m just – I’ve always been ready for every moment.”
After Gabriel’s comment, many fans thought he was taking aim at Sanders. Sanders, of course, reportedly turned down being picked by the Baltimore Ravens as he thought he had a better chance to start for the Browns.
Gabriel, meanwhile, was fine being a backup and waiting for his time to start, and he will now be getting his first start on Sunday.
Fans Believe Gabriel Called Out Sanders
Although Gabriel didn’t mention Sanders’ name, many Browns fans thought he was taking a dig at his fellow rookie quarterback.
“Second time taking a subtle shot at 12 being as he only expresses love and respect for his teammates ! Hope you ball out either way,” a fan wrote.
“I think Dillon Gabriel HATES Shedeur. Second time he’s sneaky dissing him to the media,” another fan wrote.
During training camp, Gabriel claimed there are entertainers and there are competitors, and he’s looking to compete. But, he claimed that the comment wasn’t directed at Sanders, but some fans think this latest comment proves he doesn’t like Sanders.
“2nd time not a coincidence,” a fan added.
“Never seen nothing like this lol teammates dissing other teammates,” a fan wrote.
“He better play lights out…throwing shade at your teammate when the roster and whole world is calling for him isn’t smart,” a fan added.
Although Browns fans think Gabriel was taking aim at Sanders, the quarterback is just focused on starting his first career game.
Browns Coach Explains Decision to Start Gabriel
After four weeks of poor offensive play, the Browns opted to start Gabriel in favor of Flacco.
Following the news that Cleveland was making a quarterback change, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski explained the reason for the change.
“Obviously, from the second he’s been here, he’s been working very hard, (a) very intelligent young man,” Stefanski said. Done a nice job in practice; he’s been learning this whole season how to get ready, understand the rhythm of an NFL week, and what that looks like as a backup. Obviously, now feel like he’s ready to go in as a starter.”
It’s clear Stefanski has full confidence in Gabriel to turn the Browns‘ offense around.
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