Shedeur Sanders has made headlines since he shared his take on being better than most QBs in the league. Even after trading Joe Flacco, he is still on the roster as a benchwarmer. Dillon Gabriel, who is a fellow quarterback, has been starting for the Browns.

According to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN, “Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said that rookie QB Shedeur Sanders hasn’t been getting practice reps with the first-team offense like Dillon Gabriel did when Joe Flacco was the starter because “with a young quarterback, with Dillon starting, you want to make sure he gets a lot of the reps. It’s different when you have a veteran with Joe.” Stefanski said Sanders is “still getting reps in a bunch of periods.”

Although Kevin Stefanski has claimed that Shedeur is undergoing a specific development plan. The latest statement raises questions about what this means for the quarterback.

The head coach’s approach towards the team’s practice leaves Shedeur Sanders with limited first-team exposure. While Dillon Gabriel continues to handle most first-team reps, Sanders’ development has taken a slower route. The decision reflects a preference for experienced quarterbacks receiving heavier workloads during preparation.

Sanders’ chances of developing a connection with the starting offense are diminished by this method. He is already making a slow transition from college to the professional level in the absence of regular first-team appearances. Sanders has a reputation for possessing arm strength, but the current structure prevents him from using those skills to his full potential.

The lack of first-team repetitions means fewer chances to adjust to the team’s protection schemes and timing with receivers. But the Browns, prioritizing Gabriel, ensure short-term stability, but it also delays Sanders’ growth curve.

While Stefanski’s method signals a conservative development plan, it emphasizes readiness over risk. At the same time, it keeps the rookie’s rise contained within a structured, measured environment.

An ideal setting for Dillon Gabriel’s growth at the Browns

The Cleveland Browns have created a favorable environment for rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel to thrive. Kevin Stefanski’s system focuses on consistency and structure, allowing Gabriel to gain vital first-team experience early in his NFL career.

In his initial start against the Minnesota Vikings, Gabriel completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards, demonstrating efficiency and decision-making under pressure. Stefanski’s staff simplified play designs to enhance the rookie’s ability to adapt quickly to pro-level speed and decision-making, resulting in improved pocket awareness and short-pass accuracy. He has also been sacked 10 times in 3 games this season so far.

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Gabriel has taken the majority of practice reps with the starters, giving him full control of timing and rhythm with the offensive unit. On the other hand, Sanders has primarily participated with the scout team, receiving minimal practice time with the starting offense.

The curious reason for Gabriel to lead the QB room could be the game against the Baltimore Ravens. He completed 3 passes of 3 attempts, securing 19 yards and a QBR of 100. But Shedeur has not yet made a start to prove himself on the field.

As the Browns sit 3-4 in the AFC North, Gabriel, in his time on the field, has posted 546 yards for 64 completed passes out of 107 attempts, scoring 3 touchdowns and an overall 30.4 QBR.

The disparity in developmental pathways for the quarterbacks will become increasingly evident as the season progresses.