Tyler Huntley began this season competing against Dorian Thompson-Robinson in Browns training camp. Now he will oppose him in a Game 16 of the regular season. (Getty Images)
You must have an active subscription to read this story.
Click Here to subscribe Now!
Editor's note: Tony Grossi is an analyst of the Cleveland Browns for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Four downs on Browns (3-12) v. Miami Dolphins (7-8).
First down: It’s the DTR and Snoop show.
When the Browns convened training camp at The Greenbrier Resort in late July, Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Tyler Huntley were pitted in a battle for QB3. Five months later, they are the opposing quarterbacks in a Browns-Dolphins game that was flexed out of prime time because of national apathy. DTR prevailed in Browns camp, largely because he was an Andrew Berry draft pick. Failing to find a trade partner for Huntley, a.k.a. Snoop, the Browns released him. After a brief stint on the Ravens’ practice squad, Huntley signed with Miami when Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion. Huntley was 1-2 as a Dolphins starter and probably will get the call now against the Browns. Tagovailoa was downgraded on Saturday to doubtful because of a hip injury. The Dolphins also elevated Skylar Thompson from their practice squad, a strong indication that Tagovailoa will not be active. So it’s DTR v. Huntley in the Browns home finale. Get your popcorn.
Second down: DTR 2.0.
Thompson-Robinson’s first start a week ago in Cincinnati did not inspire confidence that he might be more than a QB3. DTR threw for only 157 yards, was sacked five times and was intercepted twice in a 24-6 loss to the Bengals. Nobody was more critical of DTR’s game than himself. He would not use lack of practice reps or play time as an excuse. “This isn’t my first time playing. I’m not a rookie no more, so I can’t use that as an excuse,” he said. “I got to go out there and be able to execute and when things don’t go right, don’t make a bad play worse. And like I said, those are kind of the things I’m working to eliminate.” He is determined to make a quantum step in his second game. “I think everybody in here sees the potential,” DTR said. “And that’s probably the most frustrating thing to me, is that I’m not showing it right now. And so that’s what I’m working towards is trying to be able to put a complete full game out there on Sunday.”
Third down: Tackle, tackle, tackle.
The Dolphins have morphed into a glorified dink-and-dunk passing team. They still do more pre-snap motion than any team, but when they deliver the ball it’s usually close to the line of scrimmage, whether it’s to receiversTyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle, or running back De’Von Achane. That quick and short passing game puts a premium on tackling to prevent long gains. “100 percent,” said defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. “And so much stuff … I think Achane’s pass target depth overall is behind the line of scrimmage. So obviously they’re getting the ball to him on short passes. Their screen game, a lot of different ways just to get the ball in playmakers hands, whether they’re wide receiver screens, running back screens, even tight end screens for run after the catch. And when you’re a team that relies on run after the catch, it certainly puts an emphasis on tackling angles and pursuit.” It’s a major reason why Tagovailoa leads the NFL with a 72.9 completion percentage. Whether Huntley can execute the passing game as efficiently remains to be seen.
Fourth down: The Hopkins chronicles.
The Browns added a kicker to their practice squad after Dustin Hopkins missed yet another kick, a PAT, in Cincinnati. Hopkins leads the NFL with 12 missed kicks. Despite all that, the Browns are sticking with Hopkins as their main kicker. “He’s going to continue to work through this like he does, like any player works through technique things,” coach Kevin Stefanski said. Here is what’s going on: After his career-year in 2023, the Browns rewarded Hopkins with a three-year contract for $15.9 million even though he had a year remaining on his old deal. It made Hopkins the eighth-highest paid kicker in the NFL. The new deal includes $2.8 million in guarantees in 2025. So the Browns have no intention of booting Hopkins to the curb. It is in their best interest, and Hopkins’, for him to rediscover his proper swing thought and head into the offseason on a positive note. He’s running out of games to do that, however.
The pick: Dolphins 24, Browns 16.
My record: 10-5.