Key Moments
Gabriel and Flacco execute a smooth first half
Flacco started the game for the Browns and made the most of his preseason debut. Flacco went 9-for-10 through the air, getting 71 yards and a passing touchdown. His first pass of the game was an incompletion intended for WR Jerry Jeudy, but he didn't miss a target the rest of the way.
On third-and-9, Flacco found RB Dylan Sampson, who bounced off two defenders and picked up 14 yards for the first down. Two plays later, Flacco found the end zone and connected with TE Harold Fannin Jr. for his first NFL receiving touchdown. The 18-year veteran quarterback finished his afternoon with an 18-yard screen to RB Pierre Strong Jr. and a 15-yard pass to TE David Njoku that got the Browns to Rams territory. However, the drive stalled out before the Browns could get into field goal range.
Gabriel took the reins from Flacco at 10:43 in the second quarter. On his first drive, he led a 15-play, 70-yard drive over the course of 6:25, completing three passes for 43 yards. Gabriel and TE Blake Whiteheart connected for 12 yards on third-and-10, keeping the drive alive for K Dustin Hopkins to make a field goal to put the score at 10-0.
Gabriel's next drive was much faster, taking 1:38 as he sped the Browns down the field in a two-minute drill. The Oregon product went 9-for-11 during the drive and again saved the drive on third down. Gabriel threw it to his summer workout partner, WR Jamari Thrash for a 16-yard gain to the Rams' 3-yard line. Gabriel and WR Gage Larvadain connected for a touchdown with 17 seconds to spare to go into halftime up 16-7.
The drive showcased Gabriel's composure and chemistry with his teammates. He connected with Larvadain, Thrash and RB Trayveon Williams two times each on the drive, with Larvadain and Thrash both having 27 yards during the drive.
Combined, Gabriel and Flacco went 21-for-29 in the first half, throwing for 200 yards and two touchdowns.