The Cleveland Browns had high hopes when they selected quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. After an impressive college career at UCLA, the 23-year-old signal caller was expected to compete for the starting job as a rookie. But in his first NFL start on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thompson-Robinson got a harsh reality check about the steep learning curve from the collegiate to the professional ranks.
A Day to Forget for DTR
Taking over for a banged-up Jameis Winston, Thompson-Robinson struggled mightily in the 24-6 loss. The rookie completed just 20 of 34 passes (58.8%) for 157 yards, with zero touchdowns and two costly interceptions. He was also sacked five times and lost a fumble, as the Browns turned the ball over three times in total.
Thompson-Robinson’s first interception came on the opening drive, setting up a Bengals touchdown. His second pick was even more damaging, snuffing out a potential scoring drive in Bengals territory early in the fourth quarter with Cleveland trailing 17-6.
I can’t cuss, but there’s a word I want to say. It wasn’t a good day. I know we had good moments, but good moments don’t win football games.
– Dorian Thompson-Robinson on his performance
Growing Pains for a Young QB
While the stat line was ugly, some growing pains are to be expected for a day three draft pick thrown into the fire in a hostile road environment. The Bengals defense, led by Defensive Player of the Year candidate Trey Hendrickson, is one of the most formidable units in the league.
Thompson-Robinson actually showed some promising flashes with his legs, rushing for 49 yards on 9 carries. But he was largely ineffective through the air, averaging a minuscule 4.6 yards per attempt. The Browns clearly tried to limit the rookie’s exposure with a conservative game plan, but DTR still made a couple of poor decisions that proved very costly.
Vote of Confidence from Coach Stefanski
Despite the two interceptions, head coach Kevin Stefanski said he plans to start Thompson-Robinson again next week at home against the Miami Dolphins. “We need to do a better job in a bunch of different areas,” Stefanski acknowledged, “but bottom line, we do have to take care of the football.”
- Stefanski is showing faith in his young quarterback to bounce back from adversity
- The Browns don’t have many appealing alternatives with Winston injured
So it will be back to the drawing board this week for Thompson-Robinson and the Browns offense. At 5-9, Cleveland’s playoff hopes are already on life support. But these final three games will be critical for the rookie quarterback to show growth and give the organization hope that he can be the long-term answer at the position.
Thompson-Robinson will look to regroup against a Miami defense that has had its own share of struggles. The Dolphins allow the 3rd most passing yards per game (261.4) in the league. It’s a golden opportunity for the rookie to get his young NFL career headed back in the right direction.
