The quarterback situation at the Browns has gone from complicated to absolute chaos.
Starting out on such a crowded depth chart, this can be seen as an ever-turning cycle of benchings, injuries, and rapid quarterback turnarounds. By week 13, this turmoil had made its way onto social media when Dillon Gabriel’s fiancée posted a TikTok that many fans perceived as an insult towards the team.
Here is what transpired in the quarterback situation at the Browns:
The Overcrowded Quarterback Room
Cleveland began this season with five quarterbacks:
- Deshaun Watson
- Joe Flacco
- Kenny Pickett
- Dillon Gabriel
- Shedeur Sanders
Watson began the season on the PUP list. Pickett was traded before the opening week of the season. Flacco remained as the default quarterback until the rookies were ready.
Flacco Fails to Stabilize the Season
Cleveland signed veteran quarterbackJoe Flacco in hopes of finding some consistency.
Instead, the Browns were only 1-3 in the four games that he started. Flacco had six interceptions and only two touchdown passes, which led to a loss of confidence among fans.
There were also calls for a change at quarterback. Although some supporters favored Sanders, head coach Kevin Stefanski picked Dillon Gabriel instead.
Gabriel Chance To Be The Franchise Player
Gabriel made some promising starts and less consistent beginnings, warranting retention until week 11.
In their game against the Baltimore Ravens, Gabriel suffered a concussion and had to leave the game. Sanders played in Gabriel’s place.
Gabriel didn’t get cleared in time for Week 12, and Cleveland had to use Sanders for the first time in the NFL.
That game shifted the team atmosphere.
Sanders Performed Well and Entertained Fans
In Week 12, the Browns defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 24-10 due to the play of Sanders.
Fans were thrilled. For the first time in several weeks, Cleveland seemed like it had a chance. Media coverage and fan enthusiasm spread quickly.
High Hopes for Week 13
Before playing the San Francisco 49ers during Week 13, Gabriel had been medically cleared.
Despite Sanders’ solid play in week 12, Stefanski placed Gabriel back in as the starter.
It failed to connect.
In fact, the Browns were defeated 26–8 and lost the momentum they had gained the week before.
Then ensued the public drama.
Caswell TikTok Goes Viral
Gabriel’s fiancée, Zo Caswell, posted on TikTok about preparing for the 49ers game and getting her outfit ready.
Caption for the video:
“Browns loss what’s new 😂”
@zoe.caswell Browns lost what’s new😂#nflfootball #nflfootball #getdressedwithme #gamedaygrwm
♬ original sound – Zo
Many fans felt it was explicitly directed at the team. Social media chatter also reported that Caswell stated that “everyone in the building wants him to play,” regarding Gabriel.
Caswell Responds to Backlash
Fans were quick to condemn her, and Caswell responded:
“I completely support the team 100%! Gotta laugh about the losses or else we’ll cry.”
However, the problem had been created. What began as a normal outfit change video shoot became headline news and another distraction for the struggling team.
Numbers That Define the Quarterbacks
The numbers speak for themselves.
According to PFSN’s QB Impact metric:
- Gabriel: F grade, 51.5 score
- Played in eight games, started in six
- Completions: 109 / Attempts: 184
- 937 passing yards
- Seven touchdowns, two interceptions
- 59.2% completion percentage
- Starter record: 1-5
Sanders’ performance in winning and losing matches is no better. In neither case has the rookie fully taken over the role.
