"Dillon Gabriel's career is over" - NFL fans react as Shedeur Sanders' preseason debut overpowers ex-Oregon QB's performance

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition took a twist Saturday, and fans wasted no time making their opinions known. Rookie Dillon Gabriel’s outing against the Philadelphia Eagles drew criticism online, with comparisons to fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders intensifying the conversation.

Gabriel completed 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards in the first half but committed two turnovers: a pick-six and a fumble, which fueled the Eagles’ 13 first-half points. The miscues overshadowed an efficient start that included an 8-for-9 opening quarter.

Sanders, who sat out with an oblique strain, benefited by contrast. A week earlier, he produced two touchdown drives in his preseason debut against Carolina and finished with a passer rating more than 30 points higher than Gabriel’s.

The fan response on X was swift.

“Not to overreact, but I think Dillon Gabriel’s career is over and Shedeur Sanders is locked in as the Browns franchise QB for the next decade,” one user wrote.

OTL

@OTLFFootball

Not to overreact, but I think Dillon Gabriel’s career is over and Sheduer Sanders is locked in as the Browns franchise QB for the next decade

“Dillon Gabriel been a** since college no bap," another user wrote.

“Dillon Gabriel still ahead in the depth chart??” another added.

More fan reactions poured in.

“So what the Dillon Gabriel Stan’s got to say now," one user wrote.

“Dillon Gabriel is just terrible,” another user wrote.

“Dillon Gabriel, get ready to spell CFL,” another added.

Dillon Gabriel addresses criticism while Shedeur Sanders works through injury

NFL: Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles - Source: Imagn

After the game, Dillon Gabriel downplayed the outside noise. The third-round pick said his priority is competing and improving each week as he adjusts to the NFL.

He acknowledged that miscommunication on the interception and the botched exchange with Pierre Strong Jr. were mistakes he has to clean up.

"There are entertainers and there are competitors, and I totally understand that," he told reporters postgame. "And my job is to compete, and that's what I'm focused on doing."

Shedeur Sanders was limited to light warmups before kickoff, tossing short passes with teammates while recovering from his injury. His absence didn’t stop his name from dominating the conversation.

Former Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel added to the buzz in an interview with USA Today Sports, praising Sanders’ poise.

"Knowing his family, knowing his dad for a long time, [he's] well prepared for the moment," Manziel said. "Well prepared for everything that comes with being in the NFL and playing the quarterback position."

For now, veteran Joe Flacco remains in control of the quarterback competition. Kenny Pickett has missed significant practice time with a hamstring issue, further opening the door for both rookies to gain ground.