The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback saga continues to be a source of frustration and debate among fans and analysts alike.

Recently, Dylan Gabriel took the helm with Tommy Rees calling plays for the first time, offering a fresh lens through which to evaluate the Browns’ offensive potential.

Did this change in play-calling bring any real improvement, or was it just more of the same struggles for Gabriel and the Browns’ offense? Let’s break down the details.

Dylan Gabriel, drafted surprisingly low, has been the Browns’ starting quarterback through a turbulent season.

Despite flashes of competence—such as a respectable touchdown-to-interception ratio and taking care of the football—Gabriel has consistently failed to inspire confidence as a franchise QB.

His completion percentage hovers around 50-55%, and his inability to read defenses under pressure often leaves the offense sputtering.

The Browns have another quarterback on the roster, Shadore Sanders, who many believe deserves a shot.

Sanders brings a different energy and confidence level, but the coaching staff seems hesitant to make a switch mid-season.

This reluctance has sparked criticism of Coach Kevin Stefansky’s decision-making and the team’s overall direction.

Tommy Rees stepped in as the primary play-caller for the first time during a recent game with Gabriel under center.

Analysts noted some subtle differences: a slightly better commitment to the run game and more frequent pocket movement to give Gabriel options to escape pressure.

These tactical adjustments are positive signs, reflecting an attempt to adapt the offense to Gabriel’s strengths and limitations.

However, the overall assessment remained largely unchanged.

Gabriel’s fundamental limitations—his inability to process the field quickly and his physical constraints—were still glaringly obvious.

Despite the changes, he missed several throws and struggled to see the field when the pocket collapsed, leading to sacks and stalled drives.

One particularly telling play involved Gabriel facing a blitz with an empty backfield.

Despite having three receivers open, he failed to get the ball out in time, resulting in a sack.

This play highlighted Gabriel’s core issue: difficulty processing pressure and making quick decisions.

While Rees’s play-calling aimed to leverage Gabriel’s supposed strength in quick decision-making, the execution fell short.

Gabriel’s running game also showed some improvement, with him rushing for more yards in this game than in all previous games combined.

This suggests Rees may have emphasized designed runs or scrambles more, trying to capitalize on Gabriel’s mobility.

However, this was not enough to overcome the offensive line’s persistent struggles, which have been a major factor in the team’s woes.

The Browns’ offensive line has been a mess this season, frequently allowing pressure that disrupts the quarterback’s rhythm.

The lack of quality linemen has forced Gabriel into a constant battle against collapsing pockets, further exposing his limitations.

Analysts argue that investing in better offensive linemen during the draft or free agency would benefit both Gabriel and the running backs, improving overall offensive efficiency.

Shadore Sanders, the backup quarterback, is described as having a confident, fearless personality.

Unlike Gabriel, who seems burdened by pressure and physical limitations, Sanders reportedly doesn’t melt under adversity.

Fans and some analysts argue that Sanders deserves a chance to prove himself, especially with three winnable games left on the schedule.

However, the Browns’ coaching staff appears to believe Gabriel is more “ready” to play at this point, while Sanders is still developing.

This judgment has been questioned, especially given Gabriel’s underwhelming performances and the team’s lack of progress.

Coach Kevin Stefansky’s handling of the quarterback situation has drawn heavy criticism.

Many feel he has been too loyal to Gabriel despite clear indications that the team needs a change.

Some analysts suggest that Stefansky’s tenure might be nearing an end if the Browns continue to struggle.

Critics argue that Stefansky’s inability to develop quarterbacks—Gabriel, Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, and others have all failed to thrive under his regime—points to a deeper issue with the coaching staff’s evaluation and development strategies.

With the Browns sitting at 2-7, time is running out to salvage the season.

The upcoming games against the Raiders, 49ers, and Titans represent a critical window.

If Sanders gets a chance and performs well, it could force the team’s hand in making a quarterback change.

If Gabriel continues to struggle, the pressure on Stefansky and the front office will only intensify.

Some analysts advocate for giving Sanders the start against the Raiders, a team with a weaker defense, to see what he can do.

Even if the Browns lose to the 49ers afterward, a win over the Raiders and a potential victory against the Titans could inject some much-needed hope and momentum.

In summary, Tommy Rees’s arrival as play-caller brought some minor tactical adjustments that slightly improved certain aspects of the Browns’ offense.

However, the fundamental issues with Dylan Gabriel’s play remain unresolved: limited accuracy, poor field vision under pressure, and physical constraints.

The Browns’ offensive line woes compound these problems, making it difficult for any quarterback to succeed.

Meanwhile, the backup quarterback Sanders waits in the wings, confident and hungry for an opportunity that may never come unless the coaching staff changes course.

As the Browns approach the final stretch of their season, fans and analysts alike are left wondering: will the team finally take a chance on Sanders, or will Gabriel continue to get the nod despite his glaring limitations? And can Stefansky survive the fallout if the Browns fail to turn things around?

Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Browns’ quarterback drama is far from over.