Dorian Thompson-Robinson doesn’t want just to be a temporary solution to Cleveland’s quarterback issues. He wants to be a permanent part of the team’s future.
With the quarterback position uncertain for the Browns, Thompson-Robinson, who will start against Cincinnati this week, sees the next few games as his chance to prove he can be the Browns’ starting QB in 2025 and beyond.
When asked if this is an audition, Thompson-Robinson didn’t hesitate: “Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah,” he said with enthusiasm on Wednesday. “Best believe we’re trying to take full advantage of it, too. We’re going to go out there, and we’re going to try to win these games.”
The second-year quarterback from UCLA will make his fourth career start on Sunday after coach Kevin Stefanski benched Jameis Winston. Winston had revived Cleveland’s offense over seven starts but struggled with eight interceptions in his past three games.
While Stefanski said he is making decisions “week to week” on the starting quarterback, Thompson-Robinson appears to be looking at it from a longer-term perspective.
Though this might be a temporary role, Thompson-Robinson is treating it like a full-time position.
“I’m focusing on the Bengals,” said the 25-year-old. “That nickel scheme. That base scheme, and trying to break down that coverage right now. I’m not worried about anything other than this week.”
Thompson-Robinson went 1-2 in three starts last season. His first start was unexpected when he replaced Deshaun Watson after Watson couldn’t play due to a shoulder issue.
His other two starts went better, and Thompson-Robinson credited much of his success to having a full week of practice with the first-team offense. In his second start, he led the Browns to a 13-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a game-winning drive.
Stefanski has praised Thompson-Robinson’s development in his second year. He noted his improvement in areas like study habits, attention to detail, and preparation for games. Now, the Browns will see if these improvements show up on the field.
“I can go back to when we first got Dorian and some of the things were different in terms of calling the plays in the huddle and some of the cadence stuff at the line of scrimmage,” Stefanski said.
“So, he’s done a very, very good job of getting up to speed on all the nuance of the position. He’s done a very good job of keeping himself prepared for when a moment comes that he’s being put in there. He’s really taken to the preparation part of this really well.”
Thompson-Robinson learned last season that there are no guarantees in the NFL, and any snap can have lasting consequences. After his win over the Steelers, he suffered a concussion against Denver. That injury led the Browns to sign Joe Flacco, who helped them reach the playoffs.
As he gets ready for another chance, Thompson-Robinson knows he can’t take anything for granted.
“When your leash is kind of short, every play matters, and so I know that,” he said. “It’s not like I’m in here walking on eggshells or playing conservative, but I know that I have to get this team up and down the field.
It starts with the first play and it ends with the last. … Ball security is job security, and making sure that the other team doesn’t touch it is probably my main concern.”
This was the problem for Winston, who a few weeks ago threw for 497 yards but also had two interceptions returned for touchdowns in a loss to Denver. Winston had energized the Browns after Watson’s Achilles injury but may have lost his chance to be the starter in Cleveland after his struggles with turnovers.
Winston took the demotion like a professional, though he admitted it was difficult.
“Do I like it? Of course not,” he said. “I know I’m a starting quarterback in this league. However, what you may say, you have to go out there and produce. And you got to get wins for your team. You got to have elite ball security, and you have to do what’s required to be that starting quarterback.”
