Browns QB Dillon Gabriel Makes Feelings Clear on Flacco Trade
Dillon Gabriel delivered his honest take on the Cleveland Browns trading Joe Flacco and the impact it will have on the quarterback room.
The Browns sent Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday for a fifth-round pick. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski
“The Joe trade took us by surprise,” Stefanski said. “That was not something that we saw coming. They called us and it happened very fast and happened not too long ago.”
Flacco served as a steady veteran in a quarterback room with two rookie quarterbacks. He was the starter to open the season, going 1-3 before being replaced by Gabriel. The rookie said observing Flacco day-to-day helped him transition to being a pro.
“It’s not just one thing. I wouldn’t want to limit it to that. I think overall, his process and how he’s been about his business from Day 1,” Gabriel said. “How he approaches meetings, practice and taking care of his body. His daily routine. You pick up on that as you’re around people and try to make it your own. More importantly, the friendship and the person he is. Although there’s an age gap, just being able to connect and have those conversations, I appreciated it a lot.”
Dillon Gabriel Says Dynamic ‘Evolving’ in Browns QB Room
The Browns started training camp with two established veterans in Flacco and Kenny Pickett. Just five weeks into the season, the quarterback room is now headlined by Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Bailey Zappe is
“Dynamic is always evolving, especially when there is change. But I think it goes back to us having the experience ourselves. You learn the best when you’re thrown into the fire a bit,” Gabriel said. “The more experience you gain — game after game, week after week — you’ll get better. And (Zappe) has played a bunch of ball as well.”
Gabriel made his first start last week in London against the Minnesota Vikings. He passed for 190 yards and two touchdowns and was serviceable in the 21-17 loss. However, the Browns still lacked explosive plays in the passing game. Gabriel completed 19 passes and most of those were short completions to running backs or tight ends.
Browns Undecided if Shedeur Sanders Will Be Backup
The Browns have yet to make an official decision on who will back up Gabriel. Sanders was the No. 2 quarterback on the unofficial depth chart
“Still working through all roster type of things. I always have to be mindful of our players and our players’ development and I want to make sure that I’m always doing what’s best for our players and, of course, our team,” Stefanski said. “But with young players, I’m always thinking about, last week making the change to Dillon, you have to think long and hard about that because these are young players that you’re so invested in their development. So I’ll let the week play out and make a decision later on that.”
Pro Bowler Denzel Ward has been impressed by both Gabriel and Sanders, expressing confidence in the rookies.
“I think both those guys are ready,” Ward said. “I think those are two guys capable of being the No. 1 quarterback.”
The Browns face the Pittsburgh Steelers this week on the road. Cleveland is a 6.5-point underdog.
Chargers vs. Dolphins bold predictions for Week 6 of 2025 NFL season
The sting of a 27-10 loss
Can teh Chargers' franchise quarterback rediscover his MVP-caliber form? Can the team collectively shed the sluggishness that plagued them? This Miami matchup presents the perfect opportunity for a statement rebound.
A pivotal AFC showdown awaits in Miami Gardens
The Chargers (3-2) face off against the Miami Dolphins (1-4) in a pivotal Week 6 matchup. This game presents the Chargers with an opportunity for them to assert control in the AFC West race. Meanwhile, the Dolphins fight to avoid falling deeper into an early-season hole. For Los Angeles, the mission is clear: rectify the offensive line miscues and defensive lapses that led to their humbling defeat. The Dolphins, meanwhile, are navigating the significant challenge of life without the injured Tyreek Hill. Sure, their record is dismal. Hoever, they are a desperate team playing at home. That is a combination that can bring out a team's best effort. This contest will be a test of which team can better overcome its recent adversity.
*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for a free trial)*
Here we will look at and discuss some bold predictions for the game between the Chargers and the Dolphins in Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season.
Justin Herbert bounces back in a major way
Herbert endured a Week 5 struggle where he was held under 200 yards for the first time this season. He was also sacked four times and threw his fourth interception in a three-game skid. As such, Herbert is poised for a massive rebound against a vulnerable Dolphins secondary. With the offense leaning on him heavily, expect a week of focused preparation to yield a surgical performance. Herbert will dissect Miami's defense with a quick-passing game. He will translate his recent frustration into a stat line surpassing 300 yards and multiple touchdowns without a turnover. That would re-establish him as the engine of the Chargers' playoff hopes.
Quentin Johnston plays and nets over 90 yards
Quentin Johnston suffered through a hamstring concern and a momentum-killing fumble that marred his four-catch, 40-yard performance in Week 5. Now, though, he is positioned for a breakout game against the Dolphins. His significant snap share indicates the coaching staff's trust. With his unique blend of size and speed, Johnston should exploit a secondary preoccupied with other Chargers weapons. This should lead to a performance where he surpasses 90 receiving yards and erases the memory of his previous miscue.
Tua Tagovailoa struggles to reach 200 yards
Tua Tagovailoa threw for a season-high three touchdowns and 256 yards in his first full game without Tyreek Hill. That was great and all
Jaylen Waddle hauls in another touchdown in a loss
In his first full game as the focal point of the passing attack, Jaylen Waddle delivered a signature performance in the Dolphins' narrow loss to the Panthers. He hauled in six of nine targets for 110 yards. The wideout solidified his alpha status with a clutch 46-yard, go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. That showed that he is more than ready to carry the load as the team's primary receiver.
Now established as Miami's unequivocal WR1, Waddle will be the central focus of the Week 6 game plan. Tagovailoa will look his way early and often. Yes, the Chargers' defense presents a stiff challenge. That said, it is improbable they will completely contain a player of Waddle's caliber. That makes it highly likely he capitalizes for another significant play and finds the end zone once more.
