Dillon Gabriel was sharp in his Cleveland Browns’ preseason NFL debut.
Well, except for that one moment.
That was the discussion for much of Saturday’s first half on the Browns’ broadcast between play-by-play man Chris Rose and color commentator Joe Thomas, the Hall of Fame lineman. Variations of, “Gabriel has been impressive except for one play” kept coming up.
The one play was a big one, of course. Gabriel threw into a crowded area near the sideline and the Eagles returned it for a pick-six.
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That touchdown to the other team was the only TD Gabriel threw in his half of work in Philadelphia.
He also lost a fumble, although that had as much to do with Pierre Strong receiving the handoff as it did with Gabriel giving it.
Overall, Gabriel completed 13-for-18 passes for 143 yards. He was mostly on time and on target.
Gabriel was sacked twice, although one gave him absolutely no chance as free rushers descended from everywhere.
The outing won’t immediately elevate or demote Gabriel in the Cleveland QB competition that also includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Shedeur Sanders. None of that trio played Saturday, either for rest or injury. Only veteran Tyler Huntley was available, and he played the second half.
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It’s just more data points for Cleveland to consider. It’s good to have seen Gabriel lead a touchdown drive (with a rushing TD by Ahmani Marshall ending it) along with two field goal drives, including one in the two-minute drill.
He was always expected to be relatively polished and accurate after so much college experience. It’s not clear he has immense upside, though.
But the third-round pick has his first outing under his belt, and that’s important. Now, he can try to build on it while the Browns try to sift through all the information to make a decision about what comes next at the QB spot.
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