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Browns' Quarterback Competition Heats Up

Browns' QB Competition Heats Up: Dillon Gabriel Emerges as Surprise Starter Candidate

In the sweltering heat of Cleveland's training camp, the Cleveland Browns find themselves at a crossroads in their quarterback room, a saga that has defined the franchise's recent history. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the spotlight is firmly on Dillon Gabriel, the Heisman Trophy finalist turned rookie sensation, who has unexpectedly thrust himself into the starting conversation. What began as a presumed battle between veteran Deshaun Watson and a cadre of backups has evolved into a genuine three-way competition, with Gabriel's poise, arm talent, and leadership turning heads and challenging preconceived notions about the Browns' offensive direction.

Gabriel's journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable. The Hawaiian-born quarterback, who transferred across three colleges—UCF, Oklahoma, and finally Oregon—arrived in the NFL with a chip on his shoulder. At Oregon, he orchestrated one of the most prolific offenses in college football history, throwing for over 3,600 yards and 30 touchdowns in his senior season while leading the Ducks to a College Football Playoff berth. His left-handed delivery, often compared to a more mobile version of Tua Tagovailoa, combines pinpoint accuracy on intermediate routes with the improvisational flair that made him a dual-threat nightmare for defenses. Scouts praised his quick release and decision-making under pressure, but questions lingered about his 5-foot-11 frame and whether he could withstand the physicality of the pro game. The Browns, desperate for stability after years of inconsistency at the position, took a calculated risk by selecting him in the second round of the 2025 draft, viewing him as a high-upside project who could learn behind Watson.

Yet, Gabriel hasn't been content to sit and learn. From the first day of rookie minicamp, he's attacked the playbook with the fervor of a veteran. Coaches rave about his work ethic, noting how he arrives before dawn to study film and stays late to build chemistry with receivers like Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy. In preseason action, Gabriel has been electric, completing 68% of his passes for 450 yards and four touchdowns across three games, including a standout performance against the Steelers where he engineered a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter. His ability to extend plays with his legs—rushing for 120 yards in exhibitions—has added a dimension the Browns' offense has lacked since Baker Mayfield's early days. "He's not just a rookie; he's a playmaker," said head coach Kevin Stefanski during a recent press conference. "The way he processes the game, it's like he's been here for years."

This emergence has complicated matters for Deshaun Watson, the embattled starter whose $230 million contract once seemed like a franchise cornerstone but now feels like an albatross. Watson, entering his fourth season with the Browns, has shown flashes of his Houston Texans brilliance but has been plagued by inconsistency, injuries, and off-field distractions. Last season's shoulder surgery limited him to just 10 starts, where he threw for 2,800 yards but managed only 18 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. His mobility, once a hallmark, has diminished, and defenses have keyed in on his tendencies to hold the ball too long. In camp, Watson has looked sharp at times, connecting on deep balls to Elijah Moore and displaying improved pocket presence. However, a nagging calf issue has sidelined him for portions of practice, opening the door for Gabriel and the third contender, Jameis Winston.

Winston, the journeyman backup signed in the offseason as insurance, brings a gunslinger's mentality and big-play potential. His arm strength is unmatched in the room, and he's thrown for over 300 yards in each of his two preseason appearances. But his turnover-prone history—famously leading the league in interceptions during his Tampa Bay days—remains a concern. Stefanski has praised Winston's mentorship of Gabriel, but the coaching staff seems wary of his high-risk style in a division where ball security is paramount against defenses like Baltimore's and Pittsburgh's.

The competition has fostered a healthy rivalry, with all three quarterbacks pushing each other in drills. Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, brought in to revamp the scheme, has implemented more RPO (run-pass option) plays to suit Gabriel's strengths, blending them with Watson's preferred drop-back concepts. "We're evaluating everything—accuracy, leadership, how they handle adversity," Dorsey explained. Gabriel's edge might lie in his intangibles: teammates describe him as a natural leader, someone who organizes extra throwing sessions and studies opponents with obsessive detail. His cultural background, drawing from Hawaiian roots and a family of athletes, has resonated in the locker room, where he's quickly earned respect.

As the Browns prepare for their season opener against the Bengals, the decision looms large. Starting Gabriel would signal a bold pivot toward youth and dynamism, potentially accelerating a rebuild around a cost-controlled quarterback. Sticking with Watson preserves continuity but risks stagnation if his performance doesn't rebound. Sources within the organization suggest the team is leaning toward a "hot hand" approach, where preseason finale performances could tip the scales. Gabriel himself remains humble, saying, "I'm just here to compete and help this team win. Whatever role they give me, I'll embrace it."

This quarterback battle encapsulates the Browns' broader aspirations. After a disappointing 8-9 finish last year, marked by defensive injuries and offensive sputters, the front office invested heavily in the line, drafting two tackles and signing a veteran guard to bolster protection. With Nick Chubb returning from knee surgery and a revamped secondary, the pieces are in place for a playoff push—if the quarterback play stabilizes. Gabriel's rise adds intrigue: could he be the spark that ignites a dormant offense? Or will Watson reclaim his elite form?

Fans in Cleveland, starved for success since the franchise's rebirth, are buzzing. Social media is ablaze with #StartGabriel hashtags, and talk radio debates rage. The city that once pinned hopes on Johnny Manziel and now Watson sees in Gabriel a fresh narrative—one of resilience and potential. As training camp winds down, the Browns' quarterback competition isn't just about who starts Week 1; it's about defining the franchise's future. Gabriel, with his left-handed magic and unflappable demeanor, might just be the one to write the next chapter.

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Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6557618/2025/08/16/browns-qb-competition-dillon-gabriel-start/ ]