The Cleveland Browns are facing another round of criticism after naming Kenny Pickett as their Week 1 backup quarterback behind Joe Flacco, despite Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel taking significantly more reps in the preseason.
The Browns will host the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field on August 23, 2025, in Week 3 of the preseason, and all eyes will be on the quarterback rotation.
Kenny Pickett vs. Shedeur Sanders: Preseason Reps Tell the Story
While it comes as no surprise that Flacco will start Week 1, the more controversial decision has been the team’s naming of Pickett as QB2. Both unofficial depth charts list Flacco at the top, followed by Pickett, Gabriel, and Sanders, with Tyler Huntley and Deshaun Watson also in the mix.
However, the choice to slot Pickett ahead of the two rookies has sparked outrage among fans and analysts alike.
Here’s how all 4 Browns QBs have performed through team drills in 14 training camp practices.
Every QB but Flacco has missed time due to injury. pic.twitter.com/qkRK2PTK9N
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 16, 2025
According to ESPN Cleveland, Pickett, a former first-round pick who brings some experience, has attempted 56 passes in camp and completed 42. In comparison, Gabriel has thrown 160 passes, and Sanders has attempted nearly 100 passes, giving them far more familiarity with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees’ system.
Sanders also attempted 23 passes on 47 offensive snaps in the preseason, while Gabriel attempted 18 on 38 snaps, highlighting that both rookies have been more active on the field than Pickett.
Former Pro Bowler and outspoken analyst Pacman Jones took to social media with a scathing critique of the Browns’ decision. “The Browns are a f**k up. From the GM to the owner, this is a shit show. Pickett cannot see cover 2 or 3. Look at the film. The film don’t lie,” he said, sparking intense discussion among fans and football pundits.
🔥 The Browns. Pacman Fires Another Missile 😂
“The Browns are a f**k up. From the GM to the owner, this is a shit show. Pickett cannot see cover 2 or 3. Look at the film. The film don’t lie”
📽️ @REALPACMAN24 https://t.co/RnKsMOMt4Z pic.twitter.com/95GP1t2CdM
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) August 20, 2025
Jones’ remarks underline a growing sentiment that the Browns’ quarterback room may not be making decisions based on on-field performance. Despite being a rookie, Sanders has shown impressive poise and accuracy during his limited reps, and many feel he has earned the right to be considered the primary backup.
What Do Fans and Analysts Feel?
Social media has erupted with debates over the Browns’ QB2 decision. Many fans are questioning the team’s evaluation process and whether Pickett’s experience outweighs Sanders’ on-field readiness. Analysts note that while experience is valuable, the lack of familiarity with Rees’ offensive system could prove costly if Flacco goes down in Week 1.
As the preseason continues, all eyes will be on Sanders and Gabriel to see if the Browns reconsider their depth chart heading into the regular season. Meanwhile, Pickett will have to prove that the front office made the right decision, despite the growing scrutiny.
With the 2025-26 season opener approaching, the Browns’ quarterback situation is a major storyline. Whether Flacco’s backup can step up when needed may define Cleveland’s early-season success or highlight the chaos that Pacman and critics claim has plagued the organization.
