Everyone expected the Browns' starting QB battle to be all about Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. But training camp has produced an unexpected twist, with Dillon Gabriel impressing enough to make the head coach take notice.

“I said it the other day, everybody’s competing, but you’re not guaranteed the same amount of reps,” coach Todd Monken told reporters on Monday, per Pro Football Talk. “So it’s up to the player to take advantage and maximize those reps, which I feel like Dillon has done.”

On the very first day, Dillon Gabriel attempted just nine passes, completing seven of them. However, by Day 5, he had already thrown 12 passes, with seven reaching the receivers.

He holds a 68% completion rate with three touchdowns and just three interceptions, which is why head coach Todd Monken, according to Pro Football Talk, said Gabriel will receive more reps to prove himself.

“So we’ll see as we move forward; if that continues, we’ll continue to up his reps. He’s earned that. That’s what every player should expect, right? If they play well, you have to up the reps, or what’s the purpose of playing well?” said Monken.

One of Gabriel's best throws on Monday came while rolling to his left, firing a strike across the middle to tight end Harold Fannin Jr.

We shouldn't forget that Gabriel started six games last season after replacing Week 1 starter Joe Flacco.

Gabriel went 1-5 as a starter before an injury in Week 11 forced Sanders to take over.

Gabriel has nothing to lose, and he has been giving his best. Monken's words have only opened the door for him.

Can Gabriel overtake Sanders and Watson?

Dillon Gabriel's inclusion in the quarterback battle has completely changed its dynamics. While Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson have received most of the reps, Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green have taken a backseat.

However, they are still very much in the mix as they compete for a roster spot. Gabriel has been performing well, and his reps have increased consistently.

“There's no guarantee that Gabriel can gain enough ground to challenge Watson or Sanders for the starting job. But the longer Watson or Sanders takes to pull away, the more intriguing it could be to add Gabriel to this competition,” wrote Nick Pedone via SI.com.

Following Monday's padded practice, things look a bit different, and Sanders appears closer to the starting quarterback job than ever before. But will Todd Monken choose him? Only time will tell.

Who do you think will win the QB battle?

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi