Dillon Gabriel did not appear to make significant strides in the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition this preseason, leading some to wonder if he had been given a fair opportunity.

Throughout the offseason, Deshaun Watson was firmly established as the QB1, and the decision to start him seemed predetermined. Shedeur Sanders was the player considered to be challenging Watson, earning a start in the Browns’ second preseason game.

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Gabriel, a third-round pick from last year, seemed overlooked in the quarterback battle, making his performance on Thursday night even more intriguing.

In the preseason finale against the New England Patriots, where both Watson and Sanders were sidelined, Gabriel had a standout first half. He completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards, throwing three touchdowns without an interception, yielding a passer rating of 157.9—just shy of a perfect rating of 158.3.

Watson’s selection as the starter for Week 1 has sparked controversy among fans, and while Sanders failed to decisively claim the position, Gabriel’s performance has led to questions about whether he should have been given more opportunities, especially during a nationally broadcasted game on Amazon Prime Video.

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“What a great half, happy for him,” commented Browns coach Todd Monken during an interview at halftime. “Guys played well around him. Certainly took advantage of his opportunity.”

Gabriel’s performance underscored his strengths, demonstrating an understanding of the game, quick decision-making, and reliable short passes to playmakers. While he does not possess an exceptionally strong arm, he successfully executed an intermediate throw leading to a 52-yard gain.

Dillon Gabriel never really made a move in the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition this preseason. Maybe he was never given a true shot.

Deshaun Watson was the QB1 most of the offseason, and when the Browns picked him as the starter it seemed like a predetermined outcome. Shedeur Sanders was the one who was said to have been competing with Watson. He got a start in the Browns’ second preseason game ahead of Watson.

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Gabriel, a third-round pick last year, never seemed like a consideration. That made Thursday night’s performance a bit interesting.

Gabriel had a big first half for the Browns in the preseason finale against the New England Patriots as Watson and Sanders sat out. Gabriel was 12 of 15 for 186 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in the first half. His 157.9 passer rating was just short of a perfect mark, which is 158.3.

Watson was a very unpopular pick as the Browns’ starter for Week 1. Sanders didn’t do enough to clearly win the job. There will be some wondering if Gabriel should have gotten a longer look, especially since Thursday night’s game happened on a national Amazon Prime Video broadcast.

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“What a great half, happy for him,” Browns coach Todd Monken said during an Amazon Prime Video interview at halftime. “Guys played well around him. Certainly took advantage of his opportunity.”

Thursday night’s performance highlighted what Gabriel does well. He understands where to go with the ball, makes quick decisions and can accurately deliver short passes to playmakers. He doesn’t have a cannon arm and won’t often push the ball downfield, but he did roll out for one intermediate completion that turned into a 52-yard gain.