"Always been ready" - Dillon Gabriel makes his feelings known after taking on Browns QB1 role

NFL: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens - Source: Imagn
NFL: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens - Source: Imagn

Dillon Gabriel is ready to step up and serve as the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback. Gabriel was named QB1 for Cleveland heading into their Week Five game in London against the Minnesota Vikings, marking the end of veteran Joe Flacco's stint as the starter.

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In a news conference, Gabriel expressed his excitement ahead of his first NFL start.

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"I smile because it's a moment you prep for and are extremely excited for," he said. "But also have to realize that it's extreme focus. And that's what I continue to harp on. But if you wait for the perfect time, then you're going to wait a lifetime. For me, I've always been ready."
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Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced the change at quarterback on Wednesday. Stefanski said he informed the team of the change, adding that Flacco's leadership will still be vital to the organization's success moving forward.

"This is not about one person. Joe is a captain of this football team," Stefanski said. "We're going to need his leadership going forward, as always. ... [Dillon's] handled everything well since he's been on campus here. So just gonna have to support the young man."
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Joe Flacco and his struggles as the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback

Syndication: Detroit Free Press - Source: Imagn
Syndication: Detroit Free Press - Source: Imagn

Flacco signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Cleveland this offseason to serve as its starter, as well as a mentor to rookie quarterbacks Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

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Flacco struggled in his first four games as the Browns' starter. He threw for 815 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions, giving him a 27 QBR that is ranked 32nd in the league, per ESPN. The Browns are 1-3 with Flacco under center, as the quarterback has yet to post a QBR above 42 in any game this season. He has thrown at least one interception in all four of his starts, including two games with multiple picks.

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Now, Cleveland will turn things over to their third-round draft choice in Gabriel, who played his collegiate football for Oregon. Flacco will serve as Gabriel's backup this weekend while Shedeur Sanders remains as the team's third option on the depth chart.

The Cleveland Browns will meet the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday in London, England.

Cleveland Browns Nation! Check out the latest Cleveland Browns Schedule and dive into the Browns Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

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Edited by Jon-Anthony Fuentes
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