In some ways the bye week might have provided a natural point to pivot. If Sanders isn't ready, he's not ready. And they now have to wait for his back to recover. Even if Sanders doesn't have the upside of someone like Maye, his ceiling is significantly higher than that of Gabriel. If he keeps working and continues to improve, short of a massive turnaround from Gabriel, his time is coming.
Two full weeks to prepare for the New York Jets could be great for Gabriel. But as much as maybe he shouldn't play like he's got a quick hook, potentially being yanked in favor of Sanders if he makes a mistake, he does need to show more urgency on the field.
Both quarterbacks have to be looking at this as their chance to prove the Browns don't need to draft a top flight quarterback next April. Even as that looks like an impossible challenge, that should remain the mindset. Gabriel can't go out there and play recklessly. He showed what poor decisions lead to against the Patriots. However, Gabriel needs to make a move, not only for his own sake, but that of his teammates.
It's not a shot at Gabriel, but it's telling when Stefanski responded to a question in the postgame media availability, saying the Browns have enough at the wide receiver position to evaluate the quarterback play. They clearly need more, something that will need to be addressed whether it's at the trade deadline or more likely the coming offseason, but that doesn't give Gabriel an excuse to be feckless operating the offense.