Browns QB Competition: Stefanski’s Harsh Assessment of Sanders, Gabriel
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is poised too make a key decision regarding his quarterback room.The team currently boasts four quarterbacks - Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel - alongside the recovering Deshaun Watson.
While Flacco has emerged as the frontrunner for the starting role,a competition is underway to determine the backup and third-string positions. Stefanski has confirmed that a quarterback will be released as the team trims its roster.
”I think we’ll let it play out as we get closer to the cut down,” Stefanski stated. ”Those are all conversations that we are always having, but those are tough decisions. You know, I’d like to keep everybody, but that’s not realistic.”
Stefanski also indicated a starter will be officially named this week, emphasizing the expectation that all quarterbacks, regardless of their position on the depth chart, will prepare as if they are the starter.
“Obviously, we’ll name a starter.It’s going to come this week,” stefanski said. “We still anticipate all of our players, whether you’re the starter or not, to prepare like you’re the starter, and knowing all of our players in that room, that’s exactly what they’ll do.”
the Browns have one remaining preseason game on August 23rd against the Los Angeles Rams before the regular season kicks off at home on September 7th against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Positive Progress Across the Quarterback Group
Despite the impending roster cut, Stefanski has expressed satisfaction with the performance and development of all four quarterbacks. he believes their competition has been beneficial, elevating the overall level of play within the group.
”We take this all the way back to April with our player development and getting these guys up to speed,” Stefanski explained. “I’ve been really,really pleased with that group and how hard they’ve worked,how hard they’ve pushed each other,and they’re all getting better. You see all moments in practice, you see moments in games where these guys are getting better.”
With Flacco appearing to have the inside track on the starting job, the focus now shifts to the competition between Pickett, sanders, and Gabriel. The Browns could potentially explore trade options for one of these quarterbacks,but Stefanski acknowledges the difficulty of the decision given their collective performance.