Gabriel Impresses in Defeat: Browns Fall to Vikings in London

Dillon Gabriel shows flashes, but the Browns fall to the Vikings in London

The Cleveland Browns’ rookie quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, had a bittersweet debut in his first start, throwing two touchdown passes, but couldn’t prevent his team’s defeat to the Minnesota Vikings in London. The final score was 21-17 in favor of the Vikings. Gabriel, selected in the 94th position of this year’s draft, completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards. Despite Gabriel’s performance, Cleveland’s offense stalled in the final quarter, allowing Vikings backup quarterback Carson Wentz to lead an 80-yard drive that culminated in the winning touchdown. Wentz connected with wide receiver Jordan Addison for the 12-yard touchdown with only 25 seconds remaining on the clock.

“He looked like himself. Composed, making the plays we know he can make. He put us in a position to win. We have to help ourselves,” said Myles Garrett, Browns defensive end.

Myles Garrett

Rookie Dillon Gabriel threw two touchdown passes in his first NFL start and didn’t turn the ball over, but it wasn’t enough to lead the Browns to victory.The loss extends a worrying streak for the Browns’ quarterbacks, who now have a record of 0-17 in their first starts since 1995. The Browns (1-4) led 10-7 at halftime and 17-14 entering the final quarter. However, the offense only managed one first down in the final quarter. In addition, the team had a poor performance on third downs, converting only 3 of 15.

“We have to get it done,” Gabriel said. “There are obvious times where you have to make it happen. It starts with me, but we need to collectively come together to make that happen. We have to get better on third downs to keep drives alive.”

Dillon Gabriel

Gabriel, at 24 years old, became the 41st quarterback to start a game for the Browns since the franchise returned to the NFL in 1999. In addition, he was the first quarterback to debut as a starter in an international game. Gabriel took the reins after Joe Flacco, the veteran quarterback, committed eight turnovers in the first four games of the season. Although the team ran for a maximum of 140 yards, Gabriel did not turn over the ball and the Browns won the turnover battle 2-0. However, the quarterback change wasn’t enough to lift an offense that has scored 17 or fewer points in 10 straight games, a streak that dates back to last season.

“It’s probably premature to grade and those types of things,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said of Gabriel’s debut. “There were good things, some rookie things that certainly need to be improved.”

Kevin Stefanski