Shedeur Sanders has rough second half of preseason finale after fellow Browns rookie Dillon Gabriel impresses

Key Takeaways:

• The Browns evaluated two rookie quarterbacks in their preseason finale
• Shedeur Sanders struggled after halftime
• Dillon Gabriel made a strong impression
• The team used the game to gauge rookie potential
• This coverage originally appeared in Yahoo! News on 2025-08-23

Introduction

The Cleveland Browns wrapped up their preseason schedule by spotlighting two rookie quarterbacks: Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. The outcome was a tale of opposing fortunes, as Gabriel excelled in his opportunity and Sanders encountered a tougher outing in the second half.

First Half Observations

During the early minutes of the game, both Sanders and Gabriel took turns behind center. The Browns took advantage of the preseason finale to get a closer look at these newcomers, testing their skills and gauging how each might fit into the team’s long-term plans.

Second Half Challenges

In the latter part of the contest, Shedeur Sanders faced noticeable adversity. While he initially showed potential, he struggled to find consistency in his throws and decision-making as the opposing defense adjusted. His rough stretch cast uncertainty on whether he is ready for a larger role moving forward.

Spotlight on Dillon Gabriel

On the other side, Dillon Gabriel impressed with a composed performance. He displayed promising accuracy and command of the offense, as observers noted his ability to extend plays and find open receivers. His strong showing underscored the Browns’ optimism about developing him as a potential leader in the quarterback room.

The Browns’ Evaluation Strategy

Across the league, preseason finales often serve as proving grounds for rookies fighting to secure a position or climb the depth chart. For the Browns, providing meaningful snaps to both Sanders and Gabriel allowed the coaching staff to assess each player’s progress and readiness under game conditions.

Conclusion

While Shedeur Sanders’ struggles highlighted the learning curve at the NFL level, Dillon Gabriel’s confident performance demonstrated his potential value to the Browns. As the regular season looms, Cleveland’s coaches must decide how best to nurture both rookies. The team’s final preseason test offered a glimpse of what the future could hold for these aspiring passers, setting the stage for impending roster decisions.