The QB competition is one reason but the Browns defense is another
The Cleveland Browns head into their final fan-attended practice of their 2025 training camp with many of the same questions as they had heading into it. QB Shedeur Sanders has been the talk of camp and has embraced his role and pressure well. QB Joe Flacco took the first assignment of “QB1” when QB Kenny Pickett was injured, while QB Dillon Gabriel, as a third-round pick, has the most investment from the team.
The Browns offense has looked sluggish at times so far in camp. Some may have to do with the QB competition, but DE Myles Garrett and the defense also play a role. As OC Tommy Rees noted, OT Dawand Jones benefits from going against Garrett and Cleveland’s very good defense:
Browns OC Tommy Rees on progression of LT Dawand Jones and going against Myles Garrett. pic.twitter.com/LsVOIOpXb4
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) August 4, 2025
According to Daniel Jeremiah, offenses are almost always behind defenses early in training camp:
Preseason PSA- just about every defense is ahead of every offense at this point in training camp.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) August 4, 2025
Two big keys for the Browns will develop soon: How do they look against other teams and does the offense improve as training camp continues?
It might be helpful if HC Kevin Stefanski is able to name a starter or at least assign a majority of the first team reps to just one quarterback. Offenses tend to struggle early in camp due to the vital timing nature of plays. Whether it is double team or pulling blocks from the offensive line, timing blocks with the run play or receivers and quarterbacks being on the same page on routes, repetition tends to bring things up to speed.
Rotating quarterbacks could slow that process down some.
For now, besides on teams with bad defenses, the offenses should be behind. Growth is required in preseason action and as camp moves on. If not, concern should grow.