The Cleveland Browns will be starting rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel this Sunday when they face off against the Minnesota Vikings in London. Gabriel steps in for veteran QB Joe Flacco, who has struggled, leading the Browns to a disappointing 1-3 record in the first four weeks of the NFL season.

In anticipation of his debut, Gabriel shared a metaphor inspired by a text from a friend featuring an image of a firehouse. He stated:

“Doors are open, garage doors are open, things are ready to go. And they’re just waiting on that phone call to respond surgically. What a great representation of the job I have and being ready for that moment. I smile, because it’s a moment you prep for.”

Not only is Gabriel expected to perform better than Flacco, but he also has a chance to secure his position as a long-term solution for a franchise that has struggled to find a reliable quarterback for decades. The expectations are manageable since Flacco currently has the worst passer rating (60.3) in the NFL, along with among the lowest completion rates and yards per attempt.

Gabriel stood out in the preseason, completing 25 out of 37 passes for 272 yards along with a touchdown and an interception over two games. He offers a more mobile option behind a Browns offensive line that has faced injuries this season. His college career, where he became the FBS all-time leader in total touchdowns (189), supports his potential in critical situations.

“You wait for the perfect time, you are going to wait a whole lifetime. So, for me, I’ve always been ready for every moment,” Gabriel remarked.

He will not only make his first NFL start but will also become the first quarterback to do so in an overseas game. The Browns hope that Gabriel will correct their course during a rocky start. If he doesn’t meet expectations, they could consider another rookie quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, who is yet to play this season.