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By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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The Cleveland Browns quarterback situation is starting to take shape. The team announced that Joe Flacco would be the starter, to the surprise of no one.
More news: Latest Kenny Pickett Development Good News for Browns' Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel
Despite the obvious news that Flacco is the starter, the rest of the depth chart remains a mystery. However, it appears the Browns have finally given an update on where Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel rank in the quest for the backup spot.
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According to Daniel Oyefusi, Sanders is set to play in the final preseason game after suffering an oblique injury. Even more interesting is that he will serve as the third quarterback for the day.
Flacco will get the start and will play in the final preseason game, and Gabriel is set to serve in the backup role.
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Sanders and Gabriel are presumably vying for the backup role, and the final preseason game will determine their order in the regular season. To Sanders' credit, he did arguably play better in his debut than Gabriel.
Sanders had a good command of the offense and was able to throw for two touchdowns. Gabriel, on the other hand, had no scores and caused two costly turnovers. The former Oregon product threw an egregious pick-six and botched a handoff.
Protecting the ball is the quarterback's top responsibility, and Gabriel should have been further on the depth chart for that reason. Still, it appears that the Browns coaching staff sees him as the backup right now.
The final preseason game is Sanders' chance to solidify himself as the rightful backup quarterback behind Flacco. Should he throw more touchdowns and showcase some great skills, he may be able to leapfrog Gabriel.
Gabriel did show flashes of brilliance, but his downfall was the two turnovers. Conversely, if the rookie signal caller commits more turnovers, the backup spot could be his to lose.
Sanders' debut drew a ton of viewership, and the final preseason game could do the same. Many fans will be clamoring to know which rookie will get the backup spot.
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