Every week, the formula to win a game is different, according to QB Dillon Gabriel.
Against the Dolphins on Oct. 19, the offensive formula consisted of dealing with the rain by running the ball and not giving Miami a chance to force a turnover. In Week 8 against the Patriots, the formula won't be quite the same as it was against the Dolphins.
"Any formula you find a way to win is important," Gabriel said. "But I think whenever you can be versatile in finding ways to win, regardless of how that shakes out, (you do) whatever it takes."
The Patriots are 5-2 through the first seven weeks, but the formula to beat their defense has been through the air. The Patriots' defense allows 235.7 passing yards per game, the ninth-most in the NFL. New England has also allowed quarterbacks to complete passes, giving up a completion on 72.2 percent of passes. Gabriel reached that percentage against the Dolphins amid inclement weather, going 13-for-18 and throwing for 116 yards in Week 7.
While Gabriel and the Browns' offense picked up momentum with the Week 7 win, Gabriel is treating Week 8 separately from the Dolphins game and the rest of the season. WR Jerry Jeudy, however, believes that once a team gets momentum like Cleveland did in its second win of the season, it's necessary to build on that boost the next week.
Gabriel has built momentum for himself by stacking the progress he has made since getting drafted in April. According to Jeudy, with every start that Gabriel has made this season, the third-round pick has developed. Jeudy said that he hopes this week is the week where Gabriel's progress translates into a big passing game.
"Every game he's just gaining confidence, understanding the speed of the game, knowing where to go with the ball and recognizing coverages," Jeudy said. "I feel like he's just getting better each week, and that's what we need from him."
Gabriel said that he has become more comfortable with each start, with the game against the Patriots slated to be the fourth of his career. While Gabriel has stayed turnover-free and helped the Browns move the ball down the field, he acknowledged there is room to grow.
"There's still a lot for me to learn, and I hope I never stop learning," Gabriel said. "I want to continue to learn and get better, and that's what I would say. But like I said, it's day by day. It's week by week. You're going to continue to grow, and you want to keep that going in a positive direction."
Browse photos of the Cleveland Browns practicing at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus as they prepare for their Week 8 matchup against the New England Patriots.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (64) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) and Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Center Luke Wypler (56) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) and Running back Jerome Ford (34) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Offensive lineman Garrett Dellinger (52) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive tackle Simeon Barrow Jr. (58) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive tackle Simeon Barrow Jr. (58) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) and Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Cornerback Dee Williams (29) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Center Luke Wypler (56) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Linebacker Eugene Asante (36) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Offensive guard Teven Jenkins (74) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Cornerback Dee Williams (29) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (54) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas (71) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Tight end Sal Cannella (87) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Center Luke Wypler (56) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on October 22, 2025.
Gabriel and fellow rookie RB Quinshon Judkins are developing as players in their first year and helping drive the Browns' offense. While the Patriots' defense has had trouble guarding the pass, they have limited their opponents on the ground and held them out of the end zone. The Patriots rank top five in both rushing yards allowed and points allowed.
The Browns will challenge the Patriots' defense after scoring a season-high 31 points, including three times on the ground, in Week 7. Gabriel and Judkins will be on the front lines of helping break through New England's defense, passing and running the ball. For head coach Kevin Stefanski, beginning to prepare for Week 8 starts with building on what the Browns did in Week 7 and the work they do in practice.
"Certainly, that game last week was different for a multitude of reasons, but you continue in all facets, whether it's the run game or pass game, just to build on all the work you're putting in," Stefanski said.
Following his first career win, Gabriel is focused on getting the Browns' third win of the season and repeating the feeling from Week 7.
"Winning is fun, but the sun comes up the next day, and we have a new week," Gabriel said. "So, every story lasts about two days and then you're rolling."
