The Cleveland Browns (1-3) have been the center of the major storylines in the NFL this week after head coach Kevin Stefanski made the bold move to bench veteran quarterback Joe Flacco in favor of rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel.
Cleveland drafted Gabriel following a long and successful college career that spanned Central Florida, Oklahoma, and Oregon. The team also selected the polarizing, but highly talented, Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round out of Colorado after he slid dramatically down the draft board despite being projected as a first-round pick for much of the offseason.
For now, Sanders remains the emergency third-string QB, while Flacco has demoted to the backup spot. Gabriel is set to make his NFL debut on Sunday in London against the Minnesota Vikings.
Ahead of the matchup, the Browns' biggest star, pass-rusher Myles Garrett, offered candid insights on Gabriel's approach to the offense.
"I mean, he just runs the offense like this is his offense," Garrett said. "And that's all you can ask for from any quarterback. He comes out, smile on his face, chest out, gives the call, and it looks like he's been doing it for years - the way he manages the offense.
"So, I'm looking forward to him doing the same thing on Sunday."
This offseason, it seemed like Garrett might be on his way out after requesting a trade following a contract standoff with the front office.
However, when the Browns refused to entertain offers for the superstar pass-rusher, he ultimately agreed to a long-term extension worth $40 million per year, with over $123 million in guaranteed money.
Garrett's opinion carries more weight than any player on the Browns roster.
While he's committed to bringing a winning culture to Cleveland, the organization has long struggled to find consistent success at the quarterback position. Since 1999, the Browns have started 40 different quarterbacks - Gabriel will be the 41st.
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