Browns drop issue could increase with Dillon Gabriel in Week 5

The Cleveland Browns made a huge change this week heading into their London game with the Minnesota Vikings. Week 5’s matchup between the Browns and Vikings has lost some luster as the two teams have combined for three victories, with injuries and poor play plaguing both. While Minnesota has to hope they can piece together a serviceable offensive line in front of veteran backup QB Carson Wentz, Cleveland is hoping rookie QB Dillon Gabriel will spark their unit.

While the weather will impact the Browns practice on Friday, the forecast calls for cloudy skies and moderate temperatures on Sunday. One variable with dropped passes hopefully cleared, starting Gabriel could actually lead to more drops.

Cleveland’s primary pass catchers have had less time with Gabriel despite the quarterback competition during training camp. It is possible that Jamari Thrash, for example, is a more comfortable target for the young QB than Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku. His receivers will also have to get used to picking up the ball from a left-handed passer, instead of right, which, like Joel Bitonio, could be new for many:

There have been a number of statements made in the past that it is very difficult for receivers to get used to catching a ball from a lefty if they are not used to it. An Atlanta Falcons receiver noted as much related to catching passes from Michael Penix Jr.:

“You have to lock in on the ball,” Blair said. “You’re so used to a right-handed quarterback when the ball hits your hands you can catch it confidently, and then turn up the field. But, with Mike, you have to kind of focus in a little bit more. But it’ll be OK. It became natural because we had so many reps together, so it made it a lot easier.”

It is interesting that Blair notes the importance of having a lot of reps to get used to catching a ball that spins the opposite way.

There may have even been a “left-handed football” at one point because of the differences in throws coming from the different sides.

For fans, “no excuses” is often a statement that is used for professional players. While true, the reality is that the Browns limited practices this week, the rain on Friday and Gabriel’s somewhat limited time with the top pass catchers could see an increase in drops in Week 5 versus the Vikings.