The DTR Questions
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Stefanski, Alex Van Pelt, and Co. should be feeling pretty good about their quarterback room. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson has done everything that’s been asked of him and has all but solidified a backup role behind star Deshaun Watson.
Through three weeks in the preseason, DTR leads the league in passing yards (348) and ranks fifth in passer rating (102.4). He helped orchestrate a comeback win against the New York Jets in the Hall of Fame game and, though not all of his long drives resulted in touchdowns, he’s shown a consistent ability to move the offense.
With that, the keys to the offense will be handed to Watson once the season starts. And DTR’s preseason performance brings up some very important questions.
Is This Real Promise Or Preseason Nonsense?
As the great Lou Brown from Major League once pointed out, it’s important to remember the level of competition in the preseason.
It’s perfectly reasonable to be excited about Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s August. Thus far, he’s shown poise, command of the offense, and an ability to drive down the field on a consistent basis. He has been a legit dual threat who has yet to turn the ball over.
However, many teams and players can do well in the preseason and have their fortunes flipped when the games start to matter (just ask the 2008 Detroit Lions). While Thompson-Robinson’s preseason has been very promising, it doesn’t guarantee success in the regular season or a meaningful career in any way
DTR is still new to the league. Opposing teams don’t have much film on him yet outside of his college days. Could he be exposed once scouts get a better idea of how he is as a professional quarterback? Will opponents know how to stop him once his role on the Browns becomes more apparent?
Which, speaking of…
Can DTR Be More Than A Backup?
DTR isn’t just a quarterback. He’s a football guy.
It’s still insane how Dorian Thompson – Robinson went in the 5th round pic.twitter.com/cB6w8YLCkL
— John (@iam_johnw) August 18, 2023
He has showcased swiftness and mobility out of the pocket. He makes defenders miss. He’ll even be a team player and throw a hard block or two.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson throws not one, but TWO (2!!) blocks on the same play.
DTR might be the first QB in NFL history to get flagged for a blindside block.
His future in this league is bright. pic.twitter.com/EqWsORSgnv
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) August 18, 2023
At UCLA, Thompson-Robinson was one of the better dual threats in the country. As a passer, he threw for over 3,000 yards and had a completion percentage of nearly 70% in his final season. As a rusher, over his final two seasons, he averaged over five yards per carry and nearly one rushing TD per game. Even though it’s a small sample size, his time as a Brown has shown that his dual-threat ability will translate to the next level.
The tough part for Thompson-Robinson is that Deshaun Watson is clearly the guy. The Browns gave up several high draft picks and a Brinks truck full of guaranteed money to make him the franchise quarterback. Their faith in him is apparent, and their investment is prohibitive.
DTR’s main role will likely be a safety net in case Watson gets injured — or faces any more legal trouble. Watson would have to play very badly for quite a while for Thompson-Robinson to get the nod purely for performance-based reasons. The circumstances would have to be near-apocalyptic for the Browns.
But are there additional opportunities to get him on the field? What about a Taysom Hill-like role in Cleveland? Highly unlikely. DTR head zero catches at UCLA, and there would be no reason to endanger a valuable backup’s health in that role.
As for special packages for the rookie as a QB? I can’t imagine any situation or anything DTR does in particular that would be a great threat than Watson poses on each play.
If Watson balls out, DTR’s role will be that of a promising stud holding the clipboard for most of his early career.
What About DTR the Front-Office Asset?
Ah, yes. The Bill Belichick route. While Tom Brady was starting in New England for what felt like the entirety of the NFL’s existence, the Patriots drafted, developed, occasionally started, and dealt QBs such as Matt Cassel, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Jacoby Brissett.
Could the Browns do the same with Dorian Thompson-Robinson?
It may not be a popular option, as he has quickly become a fan favorite. His highlight-reel plays, comebacks, and consistent drives have helped make this preseason a fun one for Cleveland.
However, if the Browns play their cards right, there is no reason why they shouldn’t at least encourage the possibility. The NFL is a salary cap league where draft picks have tremendous value. If Cleveland has what the rest of the league believes to be a potential asset at the most important position, they could accrue capital well continuing on with their own superstar QB.
Regardless of how DTR’s future plays out, his performance in the preseason has given Browns fans something to be excited about — and the Browns’ management a valuable piece to be used in one way or another.
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