Does Dorian Thompson-Robinson still have something to prove after being anointed QB2?
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
KANSAS CITY, MO
We thought all the consternation over the Browns’ eternal quarterback search was finally over with the arrival of Deshaun Watson.
Well, think again.
Now we’re searching for a suitable backup.
The Browns think they’ve found him. They made a surprise move on Thursday by shipping off six-year NFL veteran Joshua Dobbs to a gulag in Arizona and giving the QB2 reins to fifth-round rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
DTR has been an electrifying new force on the scene, an unexpected burst of energy to an otherwise undramatic Browns training camp. But can the Browns be sure about him after only three preseason outings? It’s not an unimportant role on a team with division title hopes.
Rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson has been promoted to QB2. Is he really ready for that important role? (Cleveland Browns)
Thompson-Robinson can provide a little more assurance with his final pre-season appearance Saturday afternoon against the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium. In an ironic twist, DTR’s play time might be more highly scrutinized than Watson’s.
Watson is expected to get 20 to 25 plays in his final tune-up of the summer. No matter what Watson does, it’s not going to change the fact the Browns have put all their trust in him. But what about DTR?
It’s one thing to put on a show against the deep backups of the Jets and Commanders when little is expected. Now that he has been anointed the top backup job to Watson, the pressure – and competition – cranks up a notch.
In his first two outings against those teams’ backups, DTR engineered three touchdown drives and was 17 of 21 for 184 yards and two touchdown passes. Truly scintillating stuff. Those performances hit the QB-starved franchise like a bolt of lightning.
Thompson-Robinson followed up with a nifty opening drive in Philadelphia after getting little work in the two joint practices with the NFC champions. On his first series against the Eagles, who did field some defensive starters, DTR was 5 of 7 for 71 yards. He moved the Browns 75 yards in 12 plays and converted five first downs. The drive ended in a John Kelly fumble, but that didn’t detract from the young quarterback’s performance.
Following that first series, however, Thompson-Robinson struggled. Over his last six series, he converted five first downs and the offense accumulated just 101 yards total offense. DTR was 8 of 18 for 93 yards for the rest of his game; 13 of 25 overall for 164 yards in one half of work.
Nevertheless, the Browns made the move six days later to hand him the QB2 job.They also pulled back waivers of Kellen Mond, making him the de facto QB3. So Mond should get another appearance against the Chiefs, too.
The Browns have not commented directly on whether the QB depth chart is finalized. We assume so. But we also assumed – after coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed it – that Dobbs would go into the season as QB2. And that changed, didn’t it? So we shall see.
Elsewhere, the finale in Kansas City could clarify, or muddle, other roster issues confronting GM Andrew Berry and Stefanski. (FYI, Berry has the final say on the 53.)
They are these:
1. Can kicker Cade York restore confidence in himself?
York is 3 of 7 in field goals in three games. All the misses were between 40 and 49 yards.
Two attempts at a game-winner in Philadelphia went hither and yon. It’s tough to un-see those. Then he had one rough day at practice with owner Jimmy Haslam’s eyes piercing his every move from behind. Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone took close-up video of York’s trials to try to uncover any technique issues.
Two days later, York nailed 6 of 6 field goals in a team period inside the fieldhouse.The Browns want this to work out in York’s favor. I don’t know how it’s going to end.
2. Has Austin Watkins done enough to earn a spot at wide receiver?
Short answer: Probably not yet.
Other than the starters, Watkins has been the team’s best offensive player for four weeks. But he wasn’t drafted by the team and that means he has to be Jerry Rice to wedge his way into possible one last spot. It’s probably coming down to whether return specialist Jakeem Grant can serve as an emergency sixth receiver. Grant, coming back from 2022 Achilles surgery, is expected to return punts and kickoffs for the first time this preseason. If Grant gets reps on offense, it might mean that Watkins is practice squad-bound.
3. Is Mohamoud Diabate more than just a beautiful name?
The undrafted linebacker with good size and room to grow has much the same challenge as Watkins. He also has balled out like the receiver.
Diabate is in competition with veteran free agent pickup Matthew Adams for the dual role of backup linebacker/special teams core player. Here’s the thing: Adams has a huge edge as an experienced core player on special teams with Ventrone’s former Colts team. Diabate didn’t play special teams his final collegiate season at Utah, but he did at Florida before he transferred.In front of media on Thursday, Diabate displayed an uncanny awareness of his situation. He believes he's put enough good football on tape to earn a job elsewhere, if not with the Browns.
4. Can one of two Ohio State safeties force a spot on the roster?
Ronnie Hickman and Tanner McCalister have both had their moments; heck, Hickman has three interceptions over his last four quarters of play. But they are clearly vying for a fifth safety spot that may not even exist.
The Browns consider S4 D’Anthony Bell their best tackler and a core player on special teams, and that is not going to change. The only way Hickman or McCalister make the 53 is if the Browns take a spot from another position group to accommodate a fifth safety.
