Quick Read
- Dan Orlovsky defended rookie QB Dillon Gabriel despite his shaky preseason performance for the Cleveland Browns.
- Orlovsky praised Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams for his impressive preseason debut, calling it a ‘dream start.’
- He emphasized the importance of aggressive play from Patriots QB Drake Maye in his second NFL season.
Dan Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback turned ESPN analyst, has become one of the most recognizable and polarizing voices in sports media. Known for his detailed breakdowns and passionate takes, Orlovsky frequently finds himself in the middle of heated debates, whether it’s defending young quarterbacks or questioning major league decisions. Recent weeks have been no exception, as Orlovsky has been at the forefront of several high-profile discussions, each showcasing his unique approach to football analysis and commentary.
Stephen A. Smith vs. Dan Orlovsky: The Dillon Gabriel Debate
On August 18, 2025, ESPN’s “First Take” featured a fiery exchange between Stephen A. Smith and Dan Orlovsky over rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s performance in the Cleveland Browns’ preseason game. Gabriel, a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, had an inconsistent outing, throwing a pick-six and losing a fumble in a 22-13 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. While Gabriel did manage a respectable 13-of-18 for 143 yards, his mistakes raised questions about his readiness to lead an NFL team.
Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back, mocking Orlovsky’s tendency to find the “silver lining” in quarterbacks’ performances. “Are you kidding me?” Smith exclaimed, accusing Orlovsky of overlooking Gabriel’s critical errors. Orlovsky, however, defended his stance, arguing that Gabriel’s potential should not be dismissed based on one preseason game. Adam Schefter, another panelist, joined in the banter, adding a humorous note by teasing Orlovsky about his unwavering optimism.
While the debate provided entertainment, it also highlighted deeper concerns within the Browns’ quarterback room. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has yet to name a Week 1 starter, with veteran Joe Flacco emerging as the likely favorite due to Gabriel’s uneven preseason and lingering hamstring issues. According to Athlon Sports, Stefanski admitted that Gabriel might not be at 100% physically, though he avoided commenting on the rookie’s mental readiness.
Caleb Williams: A “Dream Start” According to Orlovsky
In contrast to his defense of Dillon Gabriel, Dan Orlovsky was full of praise for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who delivered an impressive preseason debut on August 17, 2025. Williams, the Bears’ second-year quarterback, completed 6-of-10 passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns in just two drives, leading the team to a dominant 38-0 victory over the Buffalo Bills. On ESPN’s “Get Up,” Orlovsky described Williams’ performance with two simple words: “Dream start.”
Orlovsky elaborated on his assessment, highlighting the significant improvements in Williams’ timing, rhythm, and decision-making compared to his rookie season. “All of the things you wanted to see from Caleb Williams, you saw it,” Orlovsky stated. He particularly noted Williams’ ability to release the ball quickly, often within 2-3 seconds of the snap, a marked improvement from his tendency to hold onto the ball too long during his rookie year.
As Athlon Sports reported, much of Williams’ growth can be attributed to the Bears’ new head coach Ben Johnson, who has worked closely with the young quarterback to refine his mechanics and decision-making. The Bears’ preseason success has fueled optimism about their potential in the upcoming season, with Williams and Johnson poised to form one of the NFL’s most promising quarterback-coach duos.
Drake Maye and the Patriots: Orlovsky’s Take
Another young quarterback drawing Orlovsky’s attention is Drake Maye, the New England Patriots’ second-year signal-caller. After a challenging rookie season in 2024, Maye enters 2025 with renewed hope, bolstered by a revamped roster and a new head coach. According to Boston.com, Orlovsky emphasized the importance of Maye regaining his aggressive playing style, which was overshadowed by the Patriots’ struggles last season.
“I just want the aggressive Drake Maye back,” Orlovsky said during an appearance on “Get Up.” He pointed out that Maye’s ability to take calculated risks could be a game-changer for the Patriots, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 4-13 record in 2024. With a full offseason to develop under a new coaching staff, Maye’s performance in 2025 will be crucial to the team’s success.
Orlovsky’s Broader Influence on NFL Conversations
Beyond individual player analyses, Dan Orlovsky has also weighed in on broader NFL issues, such as the controversial idea of expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) to 24 or 28 teams. During an appearance on TSN, Orlovsky called the proposal “absurd,” arguing that it would dilute the quality of competition and undermine the significance of regular-season games.
Orlovsky’s outspoken nature has made him a staple of sports media, but it has also drawn criticism from fans and analysts who view his opinions as overly biased or overly optimistic. Nonetheless, his insights, whether controversial or celebrated, continue to spark meaningful conversations about the NFL and its players.
From defending rookies like Dillon Gabriel to praising rising stars like Caleb Williams, Dan Orlovsky’s voice remains a compelling, if divisive, force in the world of NFL analysis. As the 2025 season unfolds, his takes will undoubtedly keep fans and analysts engaged, whether they agree with him or not.