Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

ESPN Analyst Predicts Shedeur Sanders Getting a Chance Despite Browns Naming Dillon Gabriel QB1 – ‘Dillon Is Not Promised To Stay in There’

Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Browns stumbled into Week 5 with a frustrating 1-3 record, even while having arguably the best defense in the NFL, outside of the Eagles. While the offense cratered under Joe Flacco’s dismal leadership. The 40-year old veteran posted ugly numbers with a league worst 58.1% completion rate, 5.1 yards per attempt, just two touchdowns, a 60.3 QB rating, and of course the 6 INTs which tops it all off.

Turnovers and stalled drives turned potential wins into blowouts, amplifying fan discontent in a season already marred by injuries to the team.

In a bold pivot, head coach Kevin Stefanski benched Flacco on October 1, naming third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel the Week 5 starter against the Vikings in London. The left-handed Oklahoma product, who impressed in the preseason, edges out Shedeur Sanders for the nod, aiming to inject some youth and spark into the stagnant unit.

Browns make change to Dillon Gabriel as starting QB, will start Week 5 vs. Vikings. (via @rapsheet, @TomPelissero, @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/JCRIVShEA4
— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2025

ESPN Analyst Louis Reddick Believes Shedeur Sanders Needs to Step for QB1 Role

ESPN Analyst, Louis Reddick, believes that now is the best time for Shedeur Sanders to step up and potentially take over as the QB1, if Dillon Gabriel doesn’t perform up to the level he’s expected to.

“If you’re Shedeur right now, here’s your opportunity. Here’s your opportunity to get your reps. Cause now truly. But they don’t wanna go back to Joe Flacco. You don’t take him out to go back to him at some point of time. If you’re Shedeur Sanders right now though, whatever you’re doing, I’m taking it to a whole another level.”

“Dillon (Gabriel) is not promised to stay in there… This is really a try out for everyone.”

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Does Sanders Have a Good Chance to Become QB1 for the Browns?

The Browns are facing the Vikings at London for their Week 5 action. While Dillon Gabriel is a good quarterback, he has not stepped on the field as a starter yet. If he performs well, coach Stefanski may continue leaning towards Gabriel. However, if Gabriel has a bad performance, Shedeur Sanders could be up next.

The Browns’ QB roles have not been defined yet, and even Dillon Gabriel is not promised to stay as QB1. This may be the best time for Shedeur Sanders to capitalize on the given opportunity and potentially overthrown Gabriel as QB1 in the upcoming weeks.

Cleveland Browns

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Shedeur Sanders

Eric Divakaran

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.