Cleveland Browns Engage in Intense Four-Way Quarterback Battle

… the Cleveland Browns are starting a rookie in the middle of a crowded four-way quarterback battle coming up with the NFL’s expanded training camps. No matter who is under center, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders—all could win the job. Each player has individual skills they bring to the table that will impact the game. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has redacted any strong proclamations on who will be QB1. As with last year, none of this uncertainty has stopped fans and analysts from anxiously awaiting a green light for stage two.

For their first unofficial depth chart, the Browns had Flacco at the top, with Pickett, Gabriel, and Sanders next in line. That first lap around the track has done little to put the competition among the quarterbacks to rest. Each player has taken turns splitting snaps with the first-team offense, ensuring that they all have an opportunity to showcase their abilities.

In this unprecedented competitive environment, Shedeur Sanders made his way onto the practice field early, eager to put his best foot forward. Once he reported arm soreness in warmups during individual workouts that led to him being held out of team drills. Even after this disappointment, Sanders continues to stay on track and improve, making strides on the field.

To take full advantage of valuable reps that help player development, the Browns have introduced a team drill period called “Hungry Dawgs.” This program gives younger players, and even backups in some cases, a great opportunity to get real competitive experience. In the offseason workout program—and through the first four practices of training camp—the team adopted a “two-spotted” plan. While this approach split the offense down the middle, it did double the number of practice reps for the offense.

Dillon Gabriel has been one of the dark horse favorites to land as the big winner in this game. So, as a good point, he said there’s no shortage of ways to get experience mentally and physically.

“There’s a bunch of reps to go around in terms of mentally, physically, the combination,” – Dillon Gabriel

He noted the value of seeking out reps that are available versus always crying over the ones you missed in practice.

“The moment you’re thinking about the reps you don’t have, you’re not focusing on the reps you do have,” – Dillon Gabriel

Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett provided his perspective on the competition. He comes in every single day with sharp instincts to make things better.

“You don’t know what you’re going to get that day,” – Kenny Pickett

He added, “Just make sure your arm [is] still getting the load that it’s kind of gotten over the last three, four weeks as you’re kind of getting ready to come back,” highlighting the significance of maintaining readiness even when not taking first-team snaps.

Joe Flacco, who took zero snaps during 11-on-11 drills and only participated in some 7-on-7s, expressed his thoughts on balancing practice time and preparation.

“The thing for me is if you’re not getting a ton of reps out there and you’re only getting a certain amount of throws through individual [drills], it’s just like keeping an equipment guy out and just playing some long toss or something like that,” – Joe Flacco

Despite his limited participation in team drills, Flacco remains committed to staying prepared and ready for any opportunity that may arise.

The Browns’ philosophy on QB training is an extension of the organization’s commitment to building talent in a cutthroat business. With 3 quarterbacks taking snaps, they’re trying to establish a balanced offense that can execute in every phase no matter the flow of the game.

With the camp two-thirds of the way through, Dillon Gabriel has lapped the competition in total practice repetitions. His focus and overall play during this time shows that he has the drive to compete for a first-team starting position.