Ryan Clark blasts Browns for choosing Flacco over rookie potential
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Ryan Clark Slams Browns for Overlooking Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
ESPN’s "Get Up" turned the spotlight on the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday when Ryan Clark unloaded on the team’s quarterback decision. After hearing that 40-year-old Joe Flacco would start the regular-season opener, Clark questioned whether the franchise really understands the importance of the moment.
He argued the Browns should have used this season as a chance to evaluate their rookie quarterbacks instead of leaning on a veteran who clearly isn’t part of the team’s future.
For a franchise that has endured years of instability under center, Clark’s criticism stings because it highlights a larger truth: The Browns may once again be choosing comfort today over stability tomorrow.
.@Realrclark25 doesn't believe Joe Flacco starting at QB for the Browns was the right move.
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) August 19, 2025
"I think you should have looked at one of these rookies to see if you had your franchise quarterback in the building." pic.twitter.com/WtmtvxycNz
Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel Show Promise
The criticism stems from what rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel showed during preseason action. Sanders, who came into the league with plenty of buzz after his time with the Colorado Buffaloes, looked sharp in his debut. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdown passes against the Carolina Panthers, showing poise in the pocket and the ability to extend plays.
Gabriel, meanwhile, delivered a steady performance of his own against the Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie quarterback threw for 143 yards and had an interception, but looked strong moving the football for Cleveland, completing 13 of 18 passes.
Both quarterbacks looked comfortable against NFL defenses, and for a Browns team that has struggled for years to find stability under center, these early signs mattered. Clark argues that ignoring these flashes of potential in favor of a veteran stopgap like Flacco feels short-sighted.
Why the Browns Chose Flacco
Cleveland’s decision to go with Flacco appears to be primarily driven by experience and security. The former Super Bowl MVP has seen just about every defensive scheme in the book, and the coaching staff likely believes his steady hand gives the team a better chance to win now. With a roster that has playoff ambitions, it is understandable that the Browns want to minimize risk.
However, the choice also sends a message that development and long-term planning may be taking a back seat. Instead of finding out whether one of the young quarterbacks could be a long-term answer, Cleveland is doubling down on a player who is clearly not the future. Flacco can still deliver in moments, but his age and limitations are well known.
A Decision That Could Haunt Cleveland
Clark’s frustration is less about Flacco himself and more about what this means for the Browns as a franchise. He argued that this was the time to see if one of the rookies had what it takes to lead the team moving forward. By sticking with Flacco, Cleveland risks wasting valuable snaps that could be shaping the development of their future quarterback.
The long-term view matters in today’s NFL. Teams that succeed at quarterback often do so by identifying and nurturing young talent early, rather than relying on veterans who are past their prime. Sanders and Gabriel both showed enough in their first action to warrant further evaluation. Clark said he believes passing on that chance reflects a lack of foresight that could hurt the team down the road.
The quarterback position defines the trajectory of a franchise more than any other. Cleveland has been searching for stability at the position for decades, and every decision carries long-term weight. Choosing Flacco may help in the short term, but it does little to answer the bigger question: Who is the future leader of the Browns? If the Browns are wrong, this season could be remembered not for wins and losses but for the opportunity they let slip away.
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Ryan Clark Slams Browns for Overlooking Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders first appeared on Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
