Veteran Cleveland Browns insider Tony Grassi has weighed in on the pressure on Dillon Gabriel amidst expectations of Shedeur Sanders in a new role. Gabriel got his first start in the Browns' defeat against the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday, benching 40-year-old Joe Flacco, who has since been traded out.
With Flacco out, the high expectation has been for Shedeur Sanders to become Gabriel's backup. However, this puts a lot of pressure, not only on Sanders but also on his fellow rookie, who has been in tough competition with him.
On 850 ESPN Cleveland on Wednesday, Grossi commented on the level of pressure surrounding Gabriel. He said:
“I don’t think it will affect him. But I think it will exist. Gabriel’s probably a loser in this for that reason, because now Shedeur is right on his heels, and his huge contingent of fans. But he doesn’t seem affected by it, at least on the field. He played through it. But we’re gonna hear a cheer for Shedeur as soon as he throws an interception. And he hasn’t even thrown an interception yet, and you know it’s coming.”
Kevin Stefanski reluctant to pick Shedeur Sanders as Dillon Gabriel's backup
While the world expects Shedeur Sanders to move up the depth chart, Kevin Stefanski has not made any change. Instead, the coach is choosing to let the week play out before making any decision. He asked the media posed questions.
“Still working through all roster-type of things. I always have to be mindful of our players and our players’ development.”
Stefanski also declined to disclose what Sanders must show for him to move up the hierarchy. He said:
“I wouldn’t say there’s one thing you need to see. In my role, I have to do what’s best for our players, our team, and I’m very, very invested in our player development, our young players’ development, our quarterback development. So any decision I make, I want to just make sure that I’m doing what’s right for our players.”
Gabriel might not have given Cleveland a win on his first start, however, he completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Sanders is yet to have his first NFL regular-season snap, and many might be hoping he is given some game time at Pittsburgh.
The Browns will be looking to give a statement win against the Steelers to go 2-4 on Sunday.