Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Dan Orlovsky Over Dillon Gabriel Blunder
Dillon Gabriel's shaky preseason outing with the Cleveland Browns drew sharp criticism from ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, who playfully lit into analyst Dan Orlovsky for defending the rookie's missteps on "First Take."
The exchange played perfectly into the show's combative chemistry as Smith mocked Orlovsky's notorious quarterback optimism while NFL insider Adam Schefter joined in.
Gabriel — the former UCF Knights, Oklahoma Sooners and Oregon Ducks standout taken by Cleveland in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft — threw a costly pick-six and later fumbled in his most recent preseason appearance, a 22-13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The mistakes sparked concern among Browns fans wondering whether he really represents the future at quarterback in Cleveland.
Browns Still Unsure of Quarterback Room Composition
Gabriel's 13-of-18, 143‑yard performance in his preseason half — including the pick‑six and fumble — hasn't settled the quarterback debate in Cleveland.
Regarding Gabriel's preparation and hamstring status, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski noted, 'I don't think he's 100 percent, but I don't know that anybody's 100 percent even at this point, so. But I think he came out okay.'
While that comment reflects physical readiness, it doesn't address the mental sharpness fans are watching closely. The Browns still face pressing questions about Gabriel's situational awareness and decision-making under pressure.
General manager Andrew Berry has held firm that the Browns' quarterback situation 'it really is just about competition,' but Gabriel's uneven debut reopened questions about who will lead the team moving forward.
Smith, Orlovsky and Schefter Trade Barbs in Spirited On-Air Exchange
Smith mocked Orlovsky's quarterback loyalties — 'Are you kidding me?' — as he accused Orlovsky of always finding the silver lining. Orlovsky shot back with equal fervor — 'Yes I do! Yes I do!' — insisting he stays impartial.
Schefter laughed off the exchange, teasing Smith that it was fair game to rib Orlovsky on his diet or wardrobe, but not his judgment on quarterbacks.
While the banter played out, the Browns' quarterback race continues to heat up. Stefanski said the team will name its Week 1 starter soon, with veteran Joe Flacco widely viewed as the favorite after taking the majority of first-team reps.
A hamstring issue has limited Kenny Pickett, and Sanders remains sidelined by an oblique strain despite early flashes in camp.
Gabriel, meanwhile, likely took a small step back due to poor play and is battling his own soft-tissue injury. Despite the volume of the QB conversation, it appears to be Flacco's job to lose.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
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