Dillon Gabriel’s Preseason Performance: 3-TD Breakout
Aug
Dillon Gabriel’s preseason performance against the New England Patriots gave the Cleveland Browns their clearest evidence this summer that the second-year quarterback can efficiently operate Todd Monken’s offense.
Gabriel completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns during the first half of Cleveland’s 37-13 victory on Thursday, August 27, at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns scored on all five of their full first-half possessions while Gabriel was directing the offense.
The display did not reopen the competition for the starting job. Cleveland had already named Deshaun Watson its Week 1 starter and identified Shedeur Sanders as the backup. Instead, Gabriel made the final roster decision involving himself and rookie Taylen Green considerably more difficult.
Dillon Gabriel’s Preseason Performance Powered Five Scoring Drives
Gabriel did more than produce an attractive final stat line. He consistently moved Cleveland into scoring position and finished each of his five complete possessions with points.
His first touchdown came on a short pass to Luke Floriea, who fought through contact and reached the right pylon for a six-yard score. After New England answered with a touchdown, Gabriel found Floriea again from 14 yards to restore Cleveland’s lead.
The Browns added field goals on Gabriel’s next two possessions before he completed a seven-yard touchdown pass to running back Ahmani Marshall late in the second quarter.
| Touchdown receiver | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Luke Floriea | 6 yards | 11:39, first quarter |
| Luke Floriea | 14 yards | 4:17, first quarter |
| Ahmani Marshall | 7 yards | 2:32, second quarter |
Gabriel also generated larger plays between the scoring passes. His most explosive completion was a 52-yard connection with Ben Patterson after Gabriel rolled away from pressure. He later found Kole Wilson for 29 yards during the drive that ended with Marshall’s touchdown.
According to the Browns’ official game recap, Gabriel finished the half with an 80 percent completion rate. NFL.com calculated his passer rating at 157.9, just short of the maximum possible rating of 158.3.
Why the Breakout Mattered
Dillon Gabriel’s preseason performance was especially important because his earlier exhibition opportunities had produced few encouraging results.
Against Chicago, Gabriel completed five of eight passes for only 23 yards, threw an interception and took two sacks. His only attempt against Buffalo was incomplete. The Patriots game changed the overall impression of his preseason by showing what he could do with an entire half and a game plan designed around his strengths.
Monken’s offense moved Gabriel outside the pocket and gave him manageable reads. He delivered the ball accurately, avoided turnovers and connected with multiple receivers rather than relying on one matchup.
There is an important limitation to the performance: New England rested many of its established players. Preseason success against reserve defenders cannot carry the same weight as regular-season production.
However, that does not make the tape meaningless. Gabriel demonstrated command, timing and the ability to finish drives—all qualities teams need from a reserve quarterback asked to enter a game without extensive preparation.
Monken praised Gabriel’s preparation after the game, saying, “All he does is prepare.” The coach also compared communicating with Gabriel about the game plan to working with another coach.
Cleveland’s QB1 and QB2 Decisions Remain Set
The Browns announced on August 24 that Watson would start the regular-season opener against Jacksonville. Monken said the choice was based on the full evaluation period, including offseason work, training camp, joint practices and preseason games.
Sanders will begin the season as Watson’s backup. Cleveland rested both quarterbacks against New England because the coaching staff wanted extended evaluations of Gabriel and Green.
Therefore, Dillon Gabriel’s preseason performance should not be interpreted as proof that Cleveland will suddenly name him QB1 or QB2. The unresolved issue is how many quarterbacks the Browns will carry and which developmental player earns the remaining spot.
That distinction matters. Gabriel’s competition is no longer primarily with Watson or Sanders. It is with Green—and with the roster value of using an extra place on a fourth quarterback instead of another position.
Dillon Gabriel’s Preseason Performance Complicates the QB3 Decision
Gabriel and Green presented Cleveland with two very different cases against New England.
| Quarterback | Passing | Rushing | Primary strength shown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dillon Gabriel | 12 of 15, 186 yards, 3 TDs | 4 carries, 3 yards | Readiness and passing efficiency |
| Taylen Green | 5 of 7, 27 yards | 8 carries, 66 yards | Size, speed and developmental upside |
Green took over after halftime and immediately displayed the athletic ability that persuaded Cleveland to select him with the 182nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
His biggest play came with the Browns backed up near their goal line. Green escaped pressure in the end zone and accelerated for a 30-yard gain. He later helped direct a 15-play, 98-yard possession that ended with Davon Booth’s eight-yard touchdown run.
Green finished as Cleveland’s leading rusher. Monken highlighted the rookie’s size, speed and arm talent while noting that Green has continued working on his mechanics.
Gabriel is the more experienced option. Green offers the more unusual physical profile. Choosing between immediate readiness and long-term upside is the central challenge Cleveland must solve.
Gabriel’s 2025 Experience Strengthens His Case
Gabriel entered the NFL as Cleveland’s third-round selection, No. 94 overall, in the 2025 draft. He appeared in 10 games and made six starts during his rookie season.
He completed 110 of 185 attempts for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. He also gained 86 yards on 14 rushing attempts. His completion rate was 59.5 percent, while his 5.1 yards per attempt and 80.8 passer rating showed there was still significant room for development.
Those numbers do not establish Gabriel as a future starter. They do give Cleveland evidence that he has already handled regular-season preparation and game pressure.
That experience could be useful if Watson or Sanders becomes unavailable. Gabriel would not be learning the basic responsibilities of an NFL game week for the first time.
Dillon Gabriel’s preseason performance also suggested progress from his rookie year. He played faster, produced explosive completions and finished drives without committing a turnover.
What Options Do the Browns Have?
Cleveland must reduce its roster to 53 players by Sunday, August 30, at 6 p.m. ET. As of August 28, the team had not announced a transaction involving Gabriel or Green.
The Browns have several possible paths:
- Keep all four quarterbacks. This would protect Gabriel and Green but leave one fewer roster spot for another position.
- Keep Gabriel as QB3. His regular-season experience and strong finale make him the safer immediate reserve behind Watson and Sanders.
- Keep Green as the developmental quarterback. His athletic upside may be difficult to expose to waivers, even if Gabriel is currently more prepared to play.
- Explore a trade. Gabriel’s three-touchdown performance created useful film that another quarterback-needy team could evaluate. No trade has been confirmed, however, and Cleveland should not assume an acceptable offer will arrive.
Because Gabriel has fewer than four accrued NFL seasons, releasing him would place him on waivers. Another team could claim his contract before Cleveland had an opportunity to bring him back for the practice squad.
The final choice will reveal whether the Browns value proven depth, developmental traits or the flexibility created by carrying only three quarterbacks.
What the Performance Means for Browns Fans
Dillon Gabriel’s preseason performance gave Cleveland fans a positive finish after losses in the first two exhibition games. It also created legitimate interest in a roster decision that might otherwise have received little attention.
The Browns will open the regular season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13. Watson is scheduled to start, but Cleveland’s final quarterback structure will determine who is available if the offense needs an alternative later in the season.
Fans preparing for the season can explore TeesParadize’s Sports & Fan Shirts, browse its wider collection of T-Shirts or check the latest additions under New Arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dillon Gabriel
How did Dillon Gabriel perform against the Patriots?
Gabriel completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. He played the first half and led five full scoring possessions without throwing an interception.
Why does Dillon Gabriel’s preseason performance matter?
It strengthened his case for a roster spot and demonstrated that he can efficiently operate Cleveland’s offense. It also made the Browns’ choice between Gabriel, Green and carrying four quarterbacks more difficult.
Is Dillon Gabriel the Browns’ starting quarterback?
No. Cleveland named Deshaun Watson its Week 1 starter. Shedeur Sanders is expected to serve as Watson’s backup.
Who caught Gabriel’s touchdown passes?
Luke Floriea caught touchdown passes of six and 14 yards. Running back Ahmani Marshall caught Gabriel’s third touchdown from seven yards.
What did Taylen Green do against New England?
Green completed five of seven passes for 27 yards and rushed eight times for 66 yards. His performance included a 30-yard scramble and a 98-yard touchdown drive.
When must Cleveland finalize its roster?
The NFL requires teams to reduce their active rosters to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
When is the Browns’ first regular-season game?
Cleveland will visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 13, at 1 p.m. ET.
Final Thoughts on Dillon Gabriel’s Preseason Performance
Dillon Gabriel’s preseason performance did exactly what a roster-bubble player needs a preseason finale to do: it gave the coaching staff clear evidence and made the decision harder.
The result should not erase the limitations of preseason football or elevate Gabriel above Watson and Sanders without supporting regular-season evidence. It did establish that he can prepare effectively, distribute the football and finish scoring drives when given meaningful snaps.
Cleveland must now decide whether that readiness is more valuable than Green’s developmental upside—or valuable enough to justify carrying four quarterbacks. Until the Browns announce their initial 53-man roster, Gabriel’s three-touchdown half will remain one of the most consequential performances of their preseason.