The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation continues to draw widespread attention following another loss that deepened frustrations about the team’s direction. Coach Kevin Stefanski announced that rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel will remain the starter despite Sunday’s 27-20 loss to the New York Jets. The defeat dropped Cleveland to 2-7 on the season.
Fans React to Kevin Stefanski’s Dillon Gabriel Decision
In his postgame press conference, Kevin Stefanski reaffirmed his confidence in Dillon Gabriel, who has now started five games since taking over in early October.
Kevin Stefanski: “We’re going to stick with Dillon (Gabriel)” as starting quarterback.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) November 9, 2025
However, his performances this season have done little to strengthen his case. Against the New York Jets, the rookie completed 17 of 32 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns, avoiding turnovers but taking six sacks for a combined loss of 47 yards.
Despite a strong opening drive capped by a touchdown to David Njoku, Cleveland’s offense stalled in the second half. The Browns were outscored 10-3 over the final two quarters, and recurring issues in protection and play-calling limited the unit’s ability to respond to the Jets’ special teams and defensive scores.
Following the game, many Browns fans voiced their dissatisfaction with Stefanski’s decision to stay the course at quarterback.
Damn they must really hate Shedeur but then why draft him? https://t.co/Nf3RA1DocI
— Mustang Mike (@LaughNCryLaterr) November 9, 2025
“Him attaching his job to Dillon Gabriel is insane,” a fan said.
Him attaching his job to Dillon Gabriel is insane.
— Marq (@MarqsJO) November 9, 2025
“I can’t take another week of this. Fire Kevin if that’s the decision,” one fan wrote.
I can’t take another week of this. Fire Kevin if that’s the decision
— Nick Shepherd (@nickshep7777) November 9, 2025
“There’s no way this is real. I think he’s fired on Monday,” one fan said.
“Good, he gets us closer to getting Mendoza or Simpson 😂,” a fan commented.
“I think I’d fire Kevin tonight just for saying this,” a fan said.
Fire him
— Kaleb (@1kaaleb) November 9, 2025
Gabriel and fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders are the healthy signal-callers on the roster. Sanders, who has been recovering from a back injury, was active as the backup against New York but has yet to take a snap in a regular-season game.
Stefanski, however, maintained that Gabriel has earned the opportunity to continue starting.
“From the second he’s been here, he’s been working very hard,” Stefanski said, via The Spun. “He’s a very intelligent young man. He’s done a nice job throughout practice, and this whole season he’s been learning how to get yourself ready and understand the rhythm of an NFL week and what that looks like as a backup. Obviously, now feel like he’s ready to go as a starter.”
The Browns showed improvement in the run game, recording a season-high 158 rushing yards behind rookie Quinshon Judkins’ 75 yards on 22 carries. Still, the offensive balance did not translate into a complete performance, and the inability to finish drives proved decisive.