Browns quarterbacks make their case in preseason finale
The Browns wrapped up the preseason with a convincing win over the Patriots, but the final score was only part of the story. With key quarterbacks watching from the sidelines, Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green received valuable opportunities to make their case.
One delivered an efficient passing performance, while the other showcased a different dimension with his legs. As Cleveland prepares for its final roster decisions, their performances have added another layer to the quarterback conversation.
Gabriel delivers three touchdown passes
Gabriel completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns against New England. He finished with a 157.9 passer rating while leading Cleveland to points on each of his first five full offensive drives.
Two of Gabriel’s touchdown passes went to Luke Floriea, covering 6 and 14 yards. His third scoring pass found running back Ahmani Marshall for a 7-yard touchdown.
Gabriel controlled the first half
Gabriel moved the Browns offense efficiently through the opening two quarters against New England. He connected with multiple receivers, including Gage Larvadain, Kole Wilson and Ben Patterson, while Cleveland combined passing plays with its running game.
One of his biggest completions covered 52 yards to Patterson and helped set up a field goal. Gabriel also connected with Wilson for a 29-yard gain during another scoring drive.
Green brings a different skill set
Green entered the game after halftime and showed his ability to contribute as a runner as well as a passer. He completed 5 of 7 passes for 27 yards and added 66 rushing yards on 8 attempts during 4 offensive possessions.
His longest run covered 30 yards after he escaped a potential sack near Cleveland’s own end zone. Green also helped direct a 98-yard touchdown drive during his preseason debut.
Green’s speed was on display
Green recorded a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. NFL Research reported that the time was the second-fastest by a quarterback at the combine since at least 2003.
Against New England, Green displayed that speed on his 30-yard scramble. The play began near Cleveland’s 2-yard line, and he escaped a potential sack before running for the first down.
Cleveland selected Green in round six
The Browns selected Green with the No. 182 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Cleveland acquired the selection through a trade involving the Denver Broncos before using it to add the Arkansas quarterback.
Green entered the NFL after playing college football at Arkansas. The Browns have continued developing him at quarterback, giving him opportunities to learn their offensive system during training camp and the preseason.
Gabriel has NFL starting experience
Gabriel entered the 2026 season after starting six games for Cleveland as a rookie in 2025. During those starts, he recorded seven touchdown passes and two interceptions while gaining regular-season experience in the Browns’ offense.
Cleveland selected Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His previous game experience gives the team a quarterback who has already handled regular-season NFL snaps.
Interesting fact: Taylen Green was also a high-school track athlete, setting a 23-foot-5 long-jump record before focusing fully on football.
The third quarterback spot remains important
The Browns established Watson as their starting quarterback and Sanders as his backup before the preseason finale. That left Gabriel and Green competing for the third-quarterback spot, a battle that was ultimately resolved when Gabriel was placed on injured reserve with a back injury, allowing Green to secure the final roster spot.
Cleveland’s quarterback depth carries added relevance because the team has started at least three quarterbacks in each of the previous three seasons. The final roster decision therefore comes with several personnel considerations.
Interesting fact: The Browns have a long NFL history dating to 1950, and the franchise has won four NFL championships, with its most recent title coming in 1964.
Watson and Sanders watched from the sidelines
Watson and Sanders were among the Browns players held out of the preseason finale against New England. Head coach Todd Monken had announced before the game that the team’s starters would not play.
That decision created extended playing time for Gabriel and Green. Gabriel received the starting assignment, while Green entered after him and played the second half.
The Browns produced 379 total yards
Cleveland finished the game with 379 total net yards against New England. The Browns also scored 37 points while limiting the Patriots to 13 points in the final preseason matchup.
The defense recorded 2 interceptions, with Easton Mascarenas-Arnold and Justin Jefferson each recording 1. Both takeaways led to field goals on Cleveland’s ensuing possessions, adding points to the team’s final total.
Monken praised contributions from both quarterbacks
Monken said both Gabriel and Green did positive things during the preseason finale. He described Gabriel as playing within himself and noted that Green produced explosive plays while using his athleticism around the perimeter.
Monken also said Green’s passing would continue to be refined. His comments came as Cleveland prepared for its roster reduction and evaluated players for the final 53-man group.
Roster decisions arrive quickly
NFL teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by the league’s deadline on Aug. 30. The Browns therefore had a short period to evaluate Gabriel, Green and the rest of their roster before making final personnel decisions.
Gabriel’s performance provided recent game evidence, while Green’s athletic ability added another factor to the quarterback evaluation. Cleveland also had to consider its overall roster needs when making the final selections.
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The preseason finale added to Cleveland’s quarterback evaluation
Gabriel finished the preseason finale with 186 passing yards and 3 touchdowns, while Green recorded 93 total yards through passing and rushing. Their production came in separate halves of Cleveland’s 37-13 victory over New England.
The Browns entered the game with Watson and Sanders already positioned ahead of them. The performances against New England gave Cleveland additional information before finalizing its regular-season roster.
In other news, Oregon high school football program ends 2026 varsity season after one week of practice.
What do you think about the Browns’ quarterback competition? Who impressed you more against the Patriots, Dillon Gabriel or Taylen Green? Like this slideshow and leave a comment with your pick!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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