Over the course of training camp, joint practices and the preseason, Gabriel demonstrated his ability to move the offense efficiently down the field and operate in the pocket. In his first preseason start against the Eagles, Gabriel moved the Browns meticulously down the field on the opening drive, completing 4-of-4 passes and converting three third-downs attempts. He then handed the ball off to RB Ahmani Marshall, who found the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown run to put the Browns on the board first.
Gabriel converted six consecutive third-down situations, extending drives to move the Browns down the field and into scoring position. And then he threw an interception, which was returned 75 yards for the pick six. Gabriel played the entire first half against the Eagles, completing 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards and one interception.
Then in the final preseason game against the Rams, Gabriel took the field early in the second quarter and led the Browns to two scoring drives. His first drive gained 70 yards over 15 plays and saw the Browns hold the ball for 6:25, their longest drive of the game. He led the offense to the Rams 10-yard line before two passes fell incomplete, leading to a 28-yard field goal.
Gabriel then ran a two-minute drill with 1:55 left in the first half. Gabriel led the Browns from their own 14-yard line into the Rams’ end zone. He passed for 86 yards during the drive, completing 9-of-11 passes and found WR Gage Larvadain for a 3-yard touchdown. He finished his second game completing 12-of-19 passes for 129 yards and one touchdown.
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