Myles Garrett on QB Gabriel's debut: "He put us in position to win."
The Cleveland Browns fell to the Minnesota Vikings 21-17, marking a tough debut for rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel in his first career start.
Why it matters: This game highlights the ongoing struggles of the Browns’ franchise, particularly at the quarterback position, and raises questions about their ability to convert potential into results.
Gabriel completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns; however, he faced significant challenges as the Browns' offense faltered in critical moments.
By the numbers:
- The Browns managed only one first down in the fourth quarter until the final possession.
- They finished the game with a dismal 3-of-15 on third downs, illustrating their inability to sustain drives.
- With this loss, Browns quarterbacks have now gone 0-17 in their first starts since 1995, extending the longest such streak in the NFL since 1950.
What’s new: Gabriel's performance was met with mixed reviews from teammates and coaches, suggesting that while there were flashes of promise, inconsistencies remained evident.
Myles Garrett praised Gabriel for his composure and ability to make plays, acknowledging that the team must collectively improve to support their young quarterback. Gabriel himself reflected on the need for better conversions, emphasizing teamwork and execution.
Yes, but: Despite the loss, there were positive aspects to note, including Gabriel becoming the first player to start a first career game in an international matchup, and the team running for a season-high 140 yards.
The big picture: This game also marks a continuation of the Browns' offensive woes, as they have scored 17 or fewer points in ten consecutive games, tying for the longest such streak in franchise history.
What’s next: Moving forward, the Browns will need to analyze their offensive schemes and find ways to adapt, especially as they look to enhance their third-down efficiency and overall scoring capabilities.
The bottom line: While Gabriel’s debut spotlighted both potential and pitfalls, the Browns remain in search of consistency and success under center, as they strive to end a long-standing cycle of quarterback instability that has plagued the franchise for decades.
