Dorian Thompson-Robinson Takes Advantage of Preseason Start

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson added to his preseason resume with an entertaining performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in which he not only made plays with his arm and legs, but got the most attention for blocking and a penalty.

Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson got the start in a big opportunity against the Philadelphia Eagles in preseason action and went 13/25 (52%) for 164 yards in two quarters of play for a QBR of 72.8. He also scrambled four times for 18 yards, including an 8-yard gain which he got out of two tackles. The Browns, unfortunately, finished in a tie at 18-18, but DTR alone was worth the price of admission.

Thompson-Robinson is an elusive quarterback that has the ability to not only make great passes like the one he made to wide receiver Austin Watkins Jr. down the right sideline for 27 yards in which he split two Eagles defenders deep in the secondary to complete the beautiful spiral pass with just about four minutes to go in the half. Additionally, also rushing for that first down when needed.

Both fans and media loved seeing the quarterback go out of his way to make two blocks on the same play and help the Browns get a first down to end the first quarter. Unfortunately, the quarterback was called for an illegal blindside block on the second hit and the play was sent back 15 yards. Just the intensity and fire of this young man is something special. 

Did anyone have "quarterback gets penalized for an illegal blindside block" on their bingo card?

Dorian Thompson-Robinson just couldn't help himself. pic.twitter.com/Akog2U21AE

— The Comeback (@thecomeback) August 18, 2023

Overall, it was a great start for Thompson-Robinson because of his ability to find that open receiver and although he had a few risky throws in the game, he didn't throw an interception in 25 attempts throughout the course of the night.

It's likely that Thompson-Robinson gets the number three job behind starter Deshaun Watson and backup Joshua Dobbs who both were sitting in this matchup to prevent any type of injury. Dobbs, 28, will find himself in the backup role because of the fact that he's been in the league since 2017 and has played in eight games already for the Steelers (six) and Titans (two).

Thompson-Robinson has made an effective transition to the NFL, leading many to believe he's capable of far more, which is exactly what both DTR and the Browns should want. However, that doesn't necessarily mean he's ready for prime time and the best case scenario for the Browns is they never have to find out this season.

He may have done enough to operate as the team's scout team quarterback, which would afford him the opportunity to face the Browns first team defense. If he's able to find success in that environment, he will help the defense get prepared for games but start to gain real traction as a potential starter.

The Browns may use starting quarterback Deshaun Watson in the final preseason game against the Chiefs. Then, expect them to shift to the backups in Dobbs, Thompson-Robinson and Mond to finish out the preseason. Hope Thompson-Robinson shows more of that ability to tuck and run for yardage as well as passing to receivers fighting for jobs in Cleveland such as Cedric Tillman, Anthony Schwartz and Mike Harley Jr.

In these three preseason games total, Thompson-Robinson has 348 yards passing for two touchdowns. Let's see what the quarterback can do when given the opportunity in the final battle next Saturday at 1 p.m.