Browns starting Dillon Gabriel over Shedeur Sanders vs. Eagles would be mistake

The Cleveland Browns haven't yet named a starting quarterback for their second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday. 

However, per The Athletic's Zac Jackson, it sounds like the Browns are leaning toward starting Dillon Gabriel despite the impressive showing by Shedeur Sanders against the Carolina Panthers on Friday.

Sanders didn't just have a lucky outing against the Panthers — the 2025 fifth-round pick threw for 138 yards and two touchdowns in his preseason debut.

The Colorado product has "outplayed" the third-round pick, Gabriel, in training camp by being the most accurate passer and limiting turnovers.

That said, the Browns are conducting practice this week as if Gabriel will start against the Eagles. Gabriel had a strong practice on Monday, taking the majority of reps behind veteran signal-caller Joe Flacco.

"If Gabriel can participate fully in the practices in Philadelphia, it feels like Stefanski would make him the starter for Saturday," Jackson wrote. "Stefanski has usually used joint practices to focus on the team’s regulars and then played mostly rookies and backups in the second preseason game. That would raise some eyebrows given that Sanders has generally outplayed Gabriel throughout camp."

Sanders did well on Monday with the second-team offense, leading them within field goal range during a one-minute drill, per Jackson.

He is expected to start at some point in the regular season. Therefore, the Browns should give the Colorado product the best reps in the preseason to help prepare him for the campaign. 

After Sanders' performance on Friday, starting Gabriel against the Eagles would be a step in the wrong direction for Cleveland.