After four tough offensive showings, the Cleveland Browns finally pulled the plug on veteran quarterback Joe Flacco as the starter. They announced that third-round pick Dillon Gabriel would get the start against the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5.
Despite a close 21-17 loss and a valiant final-minute drive to try and win the game, Gabriel looked solid in his first NFL outing. Let’s take a look at the rookie’s surprising first start.
Rookie QB Dillon Gabriel Solid in NFL Debut
After four weeks of watching a less-than-stellar offensive unit, the Browns finally decided to give one of their rookie signal-callers a chance to show what they can do. Gabriel got his first chance in the Browns’ Week 5 matchup against the Vikings, and while Cleveland lost, the rookie looked solid in his debut.
He completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. He was caught in the backfield for two sacks, but more importantly, he protected the football, not giving up any turnovers. He became the first quarterback to throw for multiple touchdowns against Brian Flores’ suffocating defense with this bullet to tight end David Njoku.
Players to pass for multiple TDs against the Vikings defense this season:
Dillon Gabriel
End of List.— Underdog (@Underdog) October 5, 2025
There were also multiple instances where Gabriel showed off his ball placement, putting the ball in spots where his receivers could make the play, but also just out of reach of the defender. He hit Njoku on another incredible pass late in the first half as the Browns drove down the field to kick a field goal and take a 10-7 lead.
Njoku making plays. Browns in the red zone. 🇬🇧 @NFLUKIRE
MINvsCLE on @nflnetwork
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/nL4qPMK6Jl— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2025
Gabriel looked solid, and the time spent sitting at the beginning of the season seems to have paid off. The rookie also did it against a solid defense, as Flores has shown his scheme is one of the best in the league.
With matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and New York Jets over the next four weeks, if Gabriel can take care of the football while also effectively moving the Browns offense up and down the field with consistency, the Browns might be able to rack up a couple of wins with how dominant the defense has been.
The first outing was promising for Gabriel and, importantly, for him to build some space between himself and fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders, who sits right behind him waiting for his chance as well.
