Dillon Gabriel recently received a text from a friend that featured a simple picture – one of a fire station.
Gabriel took a second to think about why he received that picture and what it meant. But as he took that time, he understood the symbolism his friend was alluding to in transitioning from his role as a backup quarterback to stepping into a new one as the starter.
"Doors are open, garage doors are open, things are ready to go and they're just waiting on that phone call to respond surgically," Gabriel explained. "Just what a great representation of like the job I had and being ready for that moment. I think I smile because it's like a moment you prep for, and you are extremely excited for, but also got to realize that it's extreme focus. And that's what I've continued to harp on. You wait for the perfect time, you're going to wait a whole lifetime. So, for me, I'm just I've always been ready for every moment."
The Browns announced the change at quarterback on Wednesday ahead of the team traveling to London for their Week 5 matchup against the Vikings.
"I think from the beginning, it's the moment you look forward to as a competitor," Gabriel said. "But it's part of my job to be ready – to be that sense of hope for everyone to continue to be better, and come together, and create momentum for each other. So, excited for that, but just also extremely focused at doing my job at a high level."
Head coach Kevin Stefanski said he made the decision to start Gabriel in order to do what he felt is best for the team. Stefanski added that Joe Flacco will serve as the backup quarterback, and that this decision to make the change was not indicative solely of one person; rather it was an effort to find ways to improve offensively. He noted that the overall play of the offense must improve, as they sit at 1-3 entering Week 5.
As the Browns use the week to prepare Gabriel to make his first NFL career start, Stefanski said Gabriel will take extended reps with the ones over the next three days of practices and walkthroughs in preparation for Week 5.
"Excited for Dillon. He's done everything, and he's handled everything really well since he's been on campus here, so we're just going to have to support the young man – coaches, players, offense, defense, special teams," Stefanski said. "From the second he's been here, he's been working very hard, very intelligent young man. He's done a nice job throughout practice, and this whole season he's been learning how to get yourself ready, and understand the rhythm of an NFL week, and what that looks like as a backup. And obviously, now feel like he's ready to start."
In his previous role over the last month as the backup quarterback, Gabriel prepared to step in at any moment during a game. He used walkthroughs and meetings to stay tuned in to the week's game plan should he need to take the field. Gabriel said he also has relied on the work done during rookie minicamp, OTAs and training camp, noting the benefit of the reps built up through those installations.
He also had a change in perspective as he embraced the backup quarterback role in the first month of the season. He used the time to look at his preparation wholistically, see how he could improve individually and best support his teammates. He looked for ways to still be a leader and help create momentum for his teammates.
That preparation was put to the test in small sample sizes, as Gabriel has seen game action in two regular season games. He entered late in the fourth quarter during Week 2 against the Ravens and Week 4 against the Lions. He completed 3 of 3 passing attempts for 19 yards and one touchdown in Week 2, finding RB Dylan Sampson in the end zone each for their first career touchdowns. Gabriel then did not complete his lone passing attempt in Week 4 against the Lions.
"More turns at it. As Coach (Bill Musgrave) would say, the more turns you got, the more confident and comfortable you are in certain situations," Gabriel said. "So, super glad I was able to get those turns and want to continue to build on that. And we will throughout this process. But, a whole week of prep going into a game, knowing the job cold is my job, and I'll continue to do that."
While he has prepared for the moment, there is still a shift when it comes to being the starting quarterback. For Gabriel, he knows this week of meetings, practices and taking reps with the first team will be crucial in his preparation for Week 5, as well as helping facilitate momentum in the offense.
He also knows it's part of his job to continue to ask questions, and QB Joe Flacco has been open to answering those questions for Gabriel. Flacco said he feels the best way he can help Gabriel in the transition is to show up each day with a positive energy and see what he needs.
"He's into it, man," Flacco said. "He's ready to go. I'm sure he's super excited about this opportunity. You can tell he takes it seriously just by the way he studies and his intent in the meeting rooms and on the practice field."
When Gabriel takes the field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the helm of the Browns' offense, not only will he make his first NFL career start, but he will also be the first NFL quarterback to make their first NFL start in an international game.
"There is a lot of excitement, but with that excitement, for me, is just extreme focus," Gabriel said. "And I've been through weeks of prep – had a bunch of them if you go back – but you just continue to attack it with your process and how you want to accomplish that. But I think it's us coming together, not to be cliche or keep saying the same thing, but we have to come together and create momentum for each other so that we can create positive plays, put points on the board and just take it one play at a time."
