The Cleveland Browns’ offensive coordinator Tommy Rees openly admitted that he made a big time mistake with his quarterback. His play call involving Dillon Gabriel on a crucial fourth‑and‑one against the New York Jets was a mistake. Rees said, “I should have run the ball,” acknowledging that he placed Gabriel in a difficult spot during the 27‑20 loss.
The mishap came in the fourth quarter, with the Browns trailing and faced with a short yardage situation. Instead of giving the ball to running back Quinshon Judkins, Rees called a pass on the 4th‑and‑1. Gabriel dropped back and was sacked for a seven‑yard loss, turning the ball over on downs and shifting momentum to the Jets.
Dillon Gabriel’s Role and Rees’s Reflection
Oct 26, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) throws the ball during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) throws the ball during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Rees made a point of underlining that his decision was rooted in strategy but that the execution and situation did not favor their rookie quarterback. “Look as a play caller, there’s always things you want back. I made a call, an aggressive one, it didn’t work and we got to move on to the next,” Rees said.
Despite Gabriel’s preparation and mental readiness — which Rees praised by saying Gabriel “grades out pretty high” in mental work — the coordinator accepted that the design of the play placed Gabriel in an unfavourable position. “Yeah, I should have run the ball,” Rees admitted. SI
Broader Implications for the Browns’ Offense
This public acknowledgement is significant for the Browns’ offensive direction and quarterback handling. The fact that Rees accepted fault draws a line under a pivotal moment where confidence in Gabriel’s development could have been undermined. The coordinator’s admission may help clear the air and create a fresh starting point for Gabriel’s progression.
The play call has raised questions about whether the Browns are placing Gabriel in too challenging a situation too soon. With the offense still searching for consistency, public calibration of the coach’s decision‑making signals that the Browns are reflecting on ways to better align strategy with personnel.
What to Watch Moving Forward
Going forward, it will be worth observing whether the Browns adjust their play‑calling in short‑yardage situations and rethink Gabriel’s usage in critical moments. Rees’s statement suggests that the coaching staff is aware of the error and may implement changes to avoid placing their rookie quarterback in similar high‑risk scenarios.
For Gabriel himself, the moment serves as a reminder that professional growth involves both opportunity and protected development. While he continues to be the starter, the Browns must balance ambition with support to foster his long‑term success.
In sum, the Browns’ concession of a coaching mistake by Tommy Rees marks a noteworthy development for their offensive narrative. It signals a willingness to self‑correct and potentially pave the way for a more sustainable approach to quarterback development centered on Dillon Gabriel.
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