CLEVELAND, Ohio — The role of a backup quarterback in the NFL is widely misunderstood, and the latest episode of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast delivers a masterclass in explaining the nuances that should guide the Browns’ decision between Bailey Zappe and Shedeur Sanders for Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh.
The podcast crew identifies a critical distinction that many fans miss: being the No. 2 quarterback on game day is fundamentally different from being designated as the next starter if the QB1 is lost for multiple weeks.
“I think that’s a key sort of line here, is the No. 2 quarterback on game day doesn’t necessarily mean that if you had a full week of prep, that would be the starting quarterback,” explained host Dan Labbe. “The No. 2 quarterback on game day is the guy who’s going to be ready to go in and play and in a really weird, awkward situation, even if it’s for two plays.”
This distinction has significant implications for the Browns heading into Pittsburgh. If Dillon Gabriel needs to exit the game unexpectedly — even briefly for something like a concussion check — the backup must execute the game plan already installed that week, not a customized plan tailored to their specific skills.
“A game No. 2 is its own sort of animal. Somebody that has got to be ready to go in and for the most part, run the game plan that was designed for the starter that week,” Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot emphasized. “That’s the bottom line here, because that’s what they practiced all week.”
The podcast highlighted how Zappe brings several advantages to this specific situation. He’s started nine games in the NFL, including a victory against the Steelers in Pittsburgh. He’s familiar with the Browns’ system, having spent 10 weeks with the team last season. He even benefited from working with former Browns coordinator Alex Van Pelt during the offseason in New England.
What makes this conversation particularly insightful is how it illustrates the chess match of NFL roster decisions. The Browns can designate Zappe as the No. 2 for Sunday without closing the door on Sanders becoming the starter if Gabriel were to miss extended time.
“If something happened to Dillon Gabriel, Bailey Zappe has to come in and play, the next week they could come back and say, OK, Shedeur is going to be the starter and do exactly what Mary Kay laid out,” explained Browns beat reporter Ashley Bastock. “It’s not the end of the world.”
The podcast also delves into the specific challenges of facing Pittsburgh’s defense, particularly with the Browns’ current offensive tackle issues. With T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith bearing down, processing speed becomes critical — something Zappe’s experience might better provide in an emergency situation.
This strategic distinction represents one of the more nuanced aspects of NFL coaching decisions. While fans often see the backup quarterback role as simply “next man up,” the reality involves considering game situations, opponent matchups and development timelines.
For the complete breakdown of the strategic considerations behind the Browns’ backup quarterback decision and why it might make sense to protect Sanders from a potential disaster scenario in Pittsburgh, tune into the full episode of Orange and Brown Talk podcast before Sunday’s divisional showdown against the Steelers.
Here’s the podcast for this week:
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