It's a tough pill to swallow for Browns fans: their team is now 1-5 after a brutal 23-9 loss to the Steelers, and quarterback Dillon Gabriel was left to fend for himself on the field. But here's where it gets even more concerning: Gabriel's lack of support from his skill players mirrored the struggles Joe Flacco faced earlier this season. And this is the part most people miss—it wasn't just about the offense; the Steelers' defense was relentless, sacking Gabriel six times and hitting him 16 times, exploiting the Browns' ongoing tackle and protection issues.
Is this a coaching problem, a talent gap, or something deeper? The Browns' season is quickly slipping away, and fans are left wondering what it will take to turn things around. Gabriel's performance, while under immense pressure, raises questions about the team's overall strategy and player development. For instance, how can the Browns better protect their quarterbacks and create more opportunities for their skill players to step up?
Here’s a controversial take: Could the Browns' struggles be a symptom of a larger issue in the NFL, where teams with inconsistent offensive lines are increasingly at a disadvantage? Or is this simply a matter of the Browns needing to make some bold roster moves? Weigh in below—what do you think is the root cause of the Browns' woes, and what should they do next? Your comments could spark a much-needed conversation about the team's future.
Updated: Oct. 12, 2025, 4:59 p.m. | Published: Oct. 12, 2025, 4:23 p.m. | By Mary Kay Cabot, cleveland.com
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