CLEVELAND — Excitement crackles in the air as the Cleveland Browns charge into training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus, with a four-way quarterback battle stealing the spotlight. After a dismal 3-14 record in 2024, the Browns revamped their quarterback room, bringing in veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett alongside rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders to compete for the Week 1 starting role against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns starting QB battle is sure to be a fun one!
With Deshaun Watson sidelined by a twice-ruptured Achilles, this competition promises to reshape Cleveland’s offense and spark hope among fans.
The Browns’ 2024 season exposed glaring offensive weaknesses, particularly at quarterback. The team ranked 28th in total offense, averaging just 300.8 yards per game, and cycled through four starters, including Watson, who managed only 177.1 passing yards per game with a 19:12 touchdown-to-interception ratio across seven starts.
Turnovers plagued the offense, with a league-high 37 giveaways, and the passing game lacked explosiveness, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt. Cleveland’s front office, led by GM Andrew Berry, targeted versatility and upside, adding Flacco’s experience, Pickett’s mobility, Gabriel’s dual-threat ability, and Sanders’ pinpoint accuracy to address these deficiencies.
Cleveland Browns football.
Joe Flacco, the 40-year-old Super Bowl XLVII MVP, leads the betting odds at -102 to start Week 1, per FanDuel. His 2023 stint with Cleveland—4-1 as a starter, 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions—gives him an edge, but his age and 2024 struggles with Indianapolis (2-4, inconsistent play) raise questions. Kenny Pickett, at +200, brings youth and starting experience, having gone 14-10 with Pittsburgh in 2022-23. However, his 6.2 yards per attempt and 15:14 touchdown-to-interception ratio over three seasons signal limited upside.
Rookies Dillon Gabriel (+500) and Shedeur Sanders (+870) add intrigue. Gabriel, a third-round pick from Oregon, threw for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2024, with a 70.1% completion rate over four college seasons. His quick release and poise fit coach Kevin Stefanski’s scheme, though his 5-foot-11 frame and checkdown tendencies spark debate. Sanders, a fifth-round steal from Colorado, led the FBS with a 74% completion rate in 2024, amassing 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns. His slide in the draft due to character concerns hasn’t dimmed his confidence or arm talent, and teammates praise his leadership.
Training camp, with rookies reporting July 18 and veterans July 22, will be pivotal. Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees emphasize decision-making and processing speed, with joint practices against the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles offering critical tests. Flacco and Pickett likely start with more first-team reps, but Gabriel and Sanders could surge if they excel in preseason games, starting August 7. Former Browns MVP Brian Sipe noted the league’s shift toward early rookie starts, suggesting either Gabriel or Sanders could seize the job with a standout camp.
Fans, eager for a turnaround, pack practices starting July 25, hoping for a spark. The Browns aim to reduce turnovers, boost yards per attempt, and find a long-term answer at quarterback. While Flacco’s experience makes him the favorite, Pickett’s consistency, Gabriel’s instincts, and Sanders’ upside keep the race open. As Stefanski tailors his playbook to the winner, Cleveland’s faithful sense a new era dawning—one where the right quarterback could lift the Browns from the AFC North cellar.
Cleveland Browns football. It’s here and it’s glorious.
Again I say, the Browns starting QB battle is sure to be a fun one! Who do you think wins the battle for Browns starting QB? Let us know in the comments!
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If you want to read something that isn’t Browns starting QB related…
God bless the Cleveland Browns.
The full NFL training camp schedule can be found here.
