Even Dillon Gabriel’s best game didn’t close gap on Browns’ Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders

Dillon Gabriel put on a show in the Cleveland Browns’ preseason finale against the New England Patriots. However, his efforts won’t suddenly jolt him up the depth chart.

Head coach Todd Monken has already named Deshaun Watson the starter, with Shedeur Sanders serving as backup. While Gabriel’s game was impressive, it didn’t move the needle much in the head coach’s eyes, via Zac Jackson of the Athletic.

“I don’t see it that way, no,” Monken said on if Gabriel’s performance affect Cleveland’s QB1/2.

Overall, Gabriel completed 12-of-15 passes for 186 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. The Browns earned their first preseason victory, 37-13.

Of course, the preseason must be taken with a grain of salt as teams aren’t playing their full rosters. But at least compared to Watson’s production, Gabriel has been far more impressive. In the Browns’ Week 2 preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Watson completed 5-of-12 passes for 36 scoreless yards and an interception.

Still, Cleveland decided to go with the veteran option. Watson is in the final year of his $230 million contract, so the franchise likely wants to see if they can get anything out of him. But at least in terms of preseason hopes, the quarterback hasn’t drawn much buzz. Still, when the Browns open their season against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Watson will be under center.

What that mean for Gabriel is yet to be seen. Sanders is guaranteed a roster spot, and the franchise just selected Taylen Green in the sixth-round of the draft. Maybe the Browns carry four quarterback, perhaps Green is stashed on the practice squad, would they consider a Gabriel trade?

Cleveland will have to make the decision on roster cut down day. Gabriel’s preseason finale certainly caught eyes, but it didn’t re-insert him into the Browns’ QB1 race.

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