Browns QB Dillon Gabriel shines with three TDs in Patriots win

The third-string quarterback for the Cleveland Browns threw three touchdowns in the first half during a 37-13 victory over the New England Patriots.

His convincing performance came just days after Cleveland's decision to name Deshaun Watson as the starter ahead of Shedeur Sanders.

Three touchdowns for Dillon Gabriel

Gabriel completed 12 of his 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns during the first half.

The quarterback found Luke Floriea twice in the end zone and also threw a touchdown to Ahmani Marshall. A third connection between Gabriel and Floriea had initially been awarded before being overturned on video review.

Under his direction, Cleveland put up 17 points in the first quarter before heading into the locker room with a 27-13 lead.

Gabriel had been sitting third on the quarterback depth chart throughout the spring and training camp. He nonetheless served as a reminder that he could be a credible option if needed during the season.

Why didn't Shedeur Sanders play?

Neither Watson nor Shedeur Sanders took part in the game. Todd Monken wanted to give Gabriel more snaps before the end of the preseason.

Gabriel had started six games during his rookie season before picking up an injury in November. Sanders had replaced him and held onto the starting role for the final seven games.

Watson and Sanders then split the reps during the spring and summer. Monken ultimately ended the competition by naming Watson as the starter, with Sanders as the backup.

Gabriel's performance is unlikely to change that depth chart ahead of Week 1. It does, however, provide the Browns with additional reassurance at a position that has caused them considerable problems in recent seasons.

The pressure remains firmly on Deshaun Watson

Jared C. Tilton / Staff

Watson had completed just five of his 12 passes, with an interception, against the Buffalo Bills' backups in his previous appearance.

The quarterback had also been roundly booed by a section of the Cleveland crowd. After the game, he suggested those reactions had become personal and described them as "disrespectful".

Watson subsequently walked back those comments and acknowledged he had been carried away by his emotions. He committed to delivering better performances for the franchise and its supporters in 2026.

This season will be the final year of his fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Injuries have limited him to just 19 games across his first four years with the Browns.

Monken still believes Watson's experience gives Cleveland its best chance of winning. The quarterback will now need to justify that faith on the field.

What does the Browns' early-season schedule look like?

Cleveland will open the regular season with back-to-back away games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Browns will then return to their home supporters in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers.

Those first two road games could allow Watson to find his rhythm away from the pressure of Huntington Bank Field.

Should he struggle again, the performances of Sanders and now Gabriel during the summer will quickly reignite the debate.

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