Browns' Gabriel struggles as team falls to Patriots, Stefanski confirms QB change not imminent

The Cleveland Browns are standing by rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel despite a disappointing 32-13 loss to the New England Patriots, reaffirming their commitment to his development.

Why it matters: The Browns decision to maintain Gabriel as the starting quarterback highlights a pivotal moment in their season, as they sit at a dismal 2-6 record for the second consecutive year.

• Head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized the importance of evaluating every position, yet he confirmed that changes at quarterback are not imminent.
• Gabriel's performance has been under scrutiny, especially following a game where he threw two touchdowns but also two interceptions.

What’s new: In the aftermath of the loss to the Patriots, Gabriel recorded a mixed performance, completing 21 of 35 passes for 156 yards.

• His statistics since becoming the starter on October 1 show a troubling trend: a record of 1-3, with a completion percentage of 59.9% and a QBR of just 28.8.
• The rookie ranks last among 33 qualifying quarterbacks in several key metrics, including yards per attempt (4.9) and air yards per dropback (4.24).

Yes, but: Despite these struggles, both coaches and players remain optimistic about Gabriel's potential.

• "We were explosive in that first drive," Gabriel noted post-game, referring to moments of success that the team hopes to replicate moving forward.
• However, he acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in sustaining drives and converting on third downs, which he attributes to a team-wide effort starting with himself.

What to watch: With Shedeur Sanders inactive due to back tightness, Bailey Zappe was elevated from the practice squad to serve as the backup quarterback.

• This raises questions about the larger implications for the Browns’ quarterback depth as they navigate the remainder of the season.
• The ongoing evaluation of Gabriel will be critical, especially if his performance does not improve in the coming games.

Between the lines: Head coach Stefanski's remarks reflect a broader concern about the team's overall performance.

• "It's frustrating for where we are as a team," he said, suggesting that while the focus remains on Gabriel, the issues extend beyond the quarterback position.
• He indicated a willingness to explore all avenues for improvement, signaling that further adjustments may be necessary if results do not soon change.

The bottom line: As the Browns continue to grapple with their identity this season, the commitment to Gabriel represents both a challenge and an opportunity for growth.

• The organization is banking on his development amid a difficult season, and the coaching staff's patience will be tested as they seek to turn around their fortunes in the weeks ahead.