The Cleveland Browns are adamant that Joe Flacco is the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, despite Dillon Gabriel getting into the game in Week 2.
Flacco was playing so poorly during the Browns’ Week 2 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens that he was benched for Gabriel. However, after the game, Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear that he isn’t making a quarterback change.
However, Browns insider Tony Rizzo of ESPN believes Gabriel will get into game action this week as he expects Flacco to struggle against the Green Bay Packers.
“Gabriel is going to play, it’s just a matter of when,” Rizzo said. “Tony (Grossi) asked the coaches, and the coaches said ‘We aren’t going to think about that.’ I’m going to tell you if the Browns are getting beat, 10-0 or 14-3 at halftime, I would not be surprised to see coach Stefanksi put in Gabriel.”
Gabriel did play well when he got into game action last week, so perhaps Stefanksi does go back to him if Flacco struggles.
The Packers are one of the top teams in the NFL, and Rizzo doesn’t expect Cleveland’s offense to have much success against Green Bay’s defense.
In relief of Flacco in Week 2, Gabriel went 3-for-3 for 19 yards and a touchdown when he got into the game, which is why Rizzo expects the rookie to play again this week.
Browns Coach Remains Confident in Flacco
Although Gabriel played well and is a rookie, Stefanski plans to stick with Flacco.
After Week 2, Stefanski confirmed Flacco would be the starter. Then, again on Monday, Stefanski doubled down on Flacco remaining the starter.
“Yeah, you know, we didn’t play well enough on offense, and we didn’t coach well enough on offense, and it’s never going to be about one person,” Stefanski said on Sept. 15. “Joe (Flacco) knows there’s plays that he can be better, and it obviously starts with protecting the ball in this game, and he understands that, and that’s our focus moving forward.”
Flacco and Cleveland’s offense have struggled to put up points in two weeks, but Stefanski is confident in his veteran quarterback.
“Well, I think we’re two games into this season. We are definitely going to be playing better as a team as this season goes on, and certainly the goal is to always get better as the calendar turns. So that’s what we’ll focus on,” Stefanski added. “Obviously, there’s things that we know we need to do better. Not scoring enough points in the first two games, and that’s a combination of things. It’s run game, it’s pass game, it’s what we’re asking the guys to do. So, we’ll make sure that we put a plan together to let these guys have success versus Green Bay.”
Flacco has thrown for 489 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in two games this season.
Cleveland Loved What They Saw in Gabriel
Gabriel getting into game action wouldn’t be a surprise.
The rookie quarterback has played well in training camp and will likely play games this season.
Ahead of the 2025 NFL season, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot says Cleveland loved what the team saw in Gabriel.
“If it’s going well and the Browns are scoring points, Flacco will continue on. But if he’s turning the ball over or taking sacks, the Browns will hand the reins to Gabriel without hesitation,” Cabot wrote on August 31. “They loved what they saw of Gabriel in camp and preseason games, and won’t hesitate to start him even if it’s early in the season.”
Gabriel could very well start games down the stretch, but for the time being, Flacco is the starter.
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