CLEVELAND, OH – Thanks to engineering a game-winning drive against the longtime rival Steelers in a 13-10 win, how far can rookie Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson take them?
Thompson-Robinson a.k.a. DTR for short, led a 48-yard drive in completing all four of his passes, setting up Dustin Hopkins’ game-winner from 34 yards, culminated a eventful week for Browns fans and media alike, and despite the addition of former Super Bowl MVP QB Joe Flacco to the practice squad, many are wondering just how far can DTR take Cleveland and their top-ranked defense?
While there are growing pains to be expected for a fifth-rounder such as DTR, the fact that his skill set mirrors that of Deshaun Watson, in the ability to use his legs, and get outside the pocket, DTR is still a bit rough around the edges in terms of reps and experience, the potential and upside for him to grow into the QB1 position is both exciting and promising.
With upcoming games against Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Cincinnati, DTR has a real opportunity to gain some invaluable experience down the stretch at the helm of a playoff contender, with the benefit of having the No.1 defense to fall back on.
No doubt that DTR will have to make enough big plays to complement the defense, and not put all the pressure on them, but with the prospects of facing Super Bowl champion QB’s such as Russell Wilson and Matthew Stafford on the road, an always up and down Justin Fields at home, the projected runway NFL Offensive Player of the Year and MVP candidate in fellow rookie CJ Stroud, and a Bengals team likely either fighting for their slim playoff lives, or looking to play spoiler down in The Jungle, DTR will have to elevate his game if Cleveland hopes to make their second playoff appearance in four years.
If DTR is able to do these things for the Browns, then both he and Cleveland are going to be a major problem for whatever team has to play them in January and hopefully beyond.