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Dillon Gabriel and the Cleveland Browns are looking to build off of last week’s dominant win over the Miami Dolphins. In Week 8, they are set to hit the road for a tough matchup against the New England Patriots. Of course, this matchup sets up a game against Mike Vrabel, who was a consultant for the Browns last season. For Cleveland, it’s a chance to start a potential winning streak. That would lift a lot of morale for the Browns. Throughout his first three career starts, Gabriel has played decently well. However, there are a lot of questions about whether or not he can truly be a long-term piece for Cleveland. He has yet to show the ability to power the Browns’ offense with his arm. Read more: Chicago Bears Connected to Major Trade to Go All-In on Playoff Chase Entering this week’s game, Cleveland is hoping to see more from the young quarterback. Dillon Gabriel #8 of the Cleveland Browns reacts at the line of scrimmage against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of the game at Huntington Bank Field on October 19, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. As shared by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns do not blame Gabriel alone for the lack of a dynamic passing attack. But, they also want to see him take the next step as a quarterback. “He hasn’t turned the ball over in his first three starts, which is a huge plus, but now he has to do more to get the passing game up to speed, as does everyone else on offense,” Cabot wrote. “The Browns aren’t pinning the passing woes on Gabriel, although they do recognize that he has to be willing to take some shots when they’re there.” While Gabriel has taken good care of the football, he has not shown any ability to make plays down the field. In the NFL, a quarterback has to have the ability to make plays in the intermediate and long ball game. Gabriel has focused on the short throw. So far this season, the 24-year-old quarterback has completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 546 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He has averaged just 5.1 yards per completion. Read more: Stephen A Smith Doesn’t Hold Back on the Dallas Cowboys For Gabriel to hold onto the starting job, he’ll need to make more plays. Simply dinking and dumping the ball won’t cut it. Shedeur Sanders is patiently waiting for an opportunity. Gabriel may not be blamed for Cleveland’s offensive struggles, but the Browns will have to explore what Sanders can bring to the field if Gabriel can’t showcase more of an arm. For more on the Cleveland Browns and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
