Dillon Gabriel Throws Pick-6, Gets Mixed Reviews from Browns Fans with Shedeur Injured

Dillon Gabriel’s NFL debut didn’t quite deliver the crescendo Browns fans were hoping for, especially with fellow rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders sidelined by an oblique injury.

On the first play of the second quarter in Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, Gabriel threw a costly interception that was returned nearly 75 yards for a touchdown by fellow rookie Andrew Mukuba.

Just moments before the turnover, the broadcast praised Gabriel’s performance, noting, “Gabriel has been very good so far.” Almost on cue, the very next play saw him fire a pass into tight coverage — a throw that Eagles rookie Mukuba read perfectly and returned for a touchdown, fulfilling the classic broadcaster’s jinx.

Gabriel made a half-hearted attempt to prevent the score, but Mukuba found nothing but daylight en route to the end zone — a harsh welcome to the NFL spotlight for the former Oregon star.

However, despite the turnover, over the first two quarters of action, he completed 13-of-18 passes for 143 yards. 

Meanwhile on social media, Browns fans had mixed feelings about the rookie's debut on Saturday:

Sanders suffered an oblique injury on Wednesday during the team's practice, but there is “cautious optimism” that he could return to the team’s practices next week and play in the preseason finale, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. 

The Browns will next face the Los Angeles Rams at home to wrap up the preseason.