Rookie QB Dillon Gabriel Debuts with Cleveland Browns, Sends Challenge to Jordan Love
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Cleveland, September 19, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel is gearing up for his NFL debut in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers on September 21, and he’s already throwing down the gauntlet at star QB Jordan Love. Selected 94th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft from Oregon, Gabriel gets the nod from head coach Kevin Stefanski as the Browns (0-2) seek to end their early-season slump.
Gabriel, who shone in the preseason with 12-of-19 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown against the Rams, steps into the spotlight against a 2-0 Packers team fresh off victories over the Lions (27-13) and Commanders (27-18). With Joe Flacco benched and Shedeur Sanders sidelined, Gabriel’s dual-threat ability—honed through 63 college starts—could ignite Cleveland’s offense.
At a Thursday press conference, Gabriel took aim at Love’s hot streak: “Clearly, he’s on an impressive streak. We’re going to end that. He has good vision, and honestly, he breaks a lot of tackles. Maybe that’s why.” The bold words underscore the 24-year-old’s confidence as the FBS all-time leader in total touchdowns (189).
Facing the NFL’s top-ranked defense, led by Micah Parsons’ 1.5 sacks, Gabriel’s debut at Huntington Bank Field is a tall order. Yet, his poise and mobility could exploit gaps, especially as the Browns aim to disrupt Green Bay’s rhythm after a 41-17 loss to the Ravens in Week 2.
Packers fans fired back on X, with @PackersFaith tweeting, “Gabriel’s got big talk, but Love’s gonna teach him a lesson Sunday.” Love, who threw 16-of-22 for 188 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1, faces a Browns secondary led by Grant Delpit, who vowed to halt RB Josh Jacobs’ scoring run.
With kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX, Gabriel’s challenge adds spice to this NFC North showdown. Can the rookie spark the Browns’ first win, or will Love and the Packers keep rolling? Cleveland’s season hangs in the balance, and Gabriel’s debut could be the turning point.
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