The Cleveland Browns finally gave rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel a chance to start, and one Minnesota Vikings linebacker was impressed with his play.
Although the Browns lost the game, Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard was impressed with Gabriel and predicts he will be a good quarterback in the NFL for a long time.
“I think he did pretty good,” Greenard said about Gabriel after the game. “Ultimately, he didn’t do anything for them to lose the game, so I think that’s the ultimate part. I’m pretty sure they told him, just take what they give you, don’t create negative plays, don’t try to do too much, don’t be a hero. I think he did just that.
“The kid has a really good arm,” Greenard added. “I love lefties. I love the way they throw the ball. It’s just weird. Since I was a kid. Big Michael Vick fan. Yeah, man, he’s going to be good. I think ultimately they have a good game plan for him every single week. Obviously, they’re going to continue to keep him there. Yeah, he’s going to be good.”
It’s high praise from an opposing team’s player, and Browns fans will be hoping that is the case and that Gabriel is the long-term answer at quarterback.
Gabriel went 19-for-33 for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns in the loss.
Browns Coach Pleased With Gabriel’s 1st Start
Although Cleveland did lose to Minnesota, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski was pleased with Gabriel’s performance.
Stefanski said there are a lot of positives to take away from his first start and a lot to build off of.
“Yeah, a lot of positives,” Stefanski said. “Obviously can always better, and certainly we as an offense have to better and score more to help this football team. But for, you know, a young player in that environment versus that defense to take care of the ball, make the plays he made, I thought was a lot of positives with plenty to clean up. And that’s what he will do. That’s the mentality he has. Certainly to be a player that continues to get better week in and week out.”
Gabriel will remain the Browns’ starting quarterback in Week 6 when Cleveland takes on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Gabriel Says ‘No Moral’ Victories After First Start
Although Greenard and Stefanski were impressed with Gabriel’s play, the rookie quarterback said there aren’t any moral victories.
Even though it was Gabriel’s first career start, he says the goal is to win games, so regardless of how he played, he’s disappointed Cleveland didn’t win.
“There’s always something to build on. No moral victories whatsoever,” Gabriel said after the game. “But I think regardless of result, week to week, there’s a process. And the more time you spend around anyone, you’re going to get more continuity… It’s us as a whole unit coming together really and getting comfortable with our unit.”