The Opening Drive 10/1: Quarterback Decision Comes Down To Protecting The Ball
This teams identity is in its defense and Judkins. Lean into your identity and start whoever will protect the football.
The Cleveland Browns head into Week Four with a record of 1-3, but they still have the opportunity to achieve their goals. Injuries have significantly impacted the AFC North, leaving the division wide open at this stage. As the Browns prepare to leave for London on Wednesday evening, there is considerable speculation about the team’s decision regarding the quarterback position. For the first time this season, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has been noncommittal about Joe Flacco being the starting quarterback.
It’s evident that the offense has struggled, but it’s unfair to place all the blame on Flacco, even though he hasn’t been playing well either. The critical question is whether rookie Dillon Gabriel can play a turnover-free brand of football. The offensive line protection has been inadequate, especially at the tackle position. The recent trade for Cam Robinson should help improve this situation, and hopefully, Jack Conklin will return at some point, although it’s uncertain when that might happen. The Browns’ wide receivers need to perform better; they have recorded 11 drops in four weeks, leading the NFL, and have contributed to at least four of Flacco’s six interceptions.
I understand the desire to switch to Gabriel, hoping that his mobility can help create plays outside of structure, something that isn’t possible with Flacco under center. However, the concern this week is that Brian Flores’ defense is known for its exotic, blitz-heavy schemes. It may be that Flacco is the better choice for another week, given the unpredictable coverages and blitzes the Browns will face. While I want to see if Gabriel can help revitalize this offense, I tend to lean toward keeping Flacco in the lineup for this specific matchup.
Ultimately, it all comes down to the Browns getting back to their core identity. This team’s identity is built on an elite defense, complemented by Quinshon Judkins’ ability to run the football. While a passing game is essential, the main focus must be on avoiding turnovers.
The Browns have committed two or more turnovers in 10 of their last 11 games. If they could minimize turnovers, they would have been competitive in every game this season. Having navigated the toughest part of their schedule, they now face Carson Wentz as the opposing quarterback this week. If they can avoid turning the ball over, they’ll have a chance to win, perhaps even a good chance.
The strategy should be to rely on the defense and Judkins, while avoiding major mistakes. Special teams must also perform well. I believe this defense can force a Wentz into a turnover or two and set them team up with some short fields
With all this in mind as they head to London tonight, it seems like it might be one more week for Flacco. He appears better equipped to handle the challenges posed by the Vikings, and in what should be a winnable game, it’s crucial to play smart and be willing to punt rather than risk turnovers. The goal should be to let the Vikings make the costly mistakes, as that could determine the outcome of the game.
If Stefanski believes Gabriel is ready to handle what Flores’ defense will present, I understand the potential change. However, the same principles apply to him as far as throwing it away when necessary, living to punt on fourth down, and outlasting the opponent who, for the first time this season, is not being led by an elite quarterback—but rather someone prone to making mistakes.
No turnovers, no special teams errors and the Browns have a great shot at winning the game. The quarterback who can manage these factors best this week will be the right answer. I have a hunch that will mean another week of Flacco, but we will find out soon enough.
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The Browns made several roster moves on Tuesday. They have placed WR Cedric Tillman on Injured Reserve and signed camp standout Gage Larvadain back to the 53-man roster, along with second-year WR Malachi Corley. Corley (5-11, 215) was selected by the Jets in the third round of the 2024 draft out of Western Kentucky. He has appeared in nine career games and will wear No. 83. Larvadain will wear No. 84.
The Browns waived Cameron Mitchell after he was on the game-day inactive list for two consecutive weeks. Myles Harden won the starting nickel cornerback job and has been getting better every week. He scored an overall PFF grade of 75.2 and a coverage grade of 75.7 on Sunday against Detroit. He has been better in coverage and is a willing tackler. He stood out as one of the bright spots in Sunday’s loss. If he can continue to solidify that nickel position, it solves one of the few areas of concern on this defense.
The Browns signed cornerback Ameer Speed to the practice squad as well, which could signify they are entirely done with Mitchell. Whether Mitchell ends up back on the practice squad will be something to monitor.
Speed (6-3, 215) was drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by New England out of Michigan State. He ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at his pro day. His combination of size and speed makes him an intriguing addition. He has played in 15 career games with the Patriots, Colts, and Bears. He will wear No. 27.
With Tillman and Carter on the IR, expect Isaiah Bond, who is coming off his best game in Detroit, to take over as the number two receiver while Tillman recovers. Larvadain could be in the running to take over kick-returning responsibilities with Carter out. Larvadain had an impressive training camp. It will be interesting to see if he or Corley gets snaps at wide receiver, considering the troubles they have had at the position so far in 2025.
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