The Cleveland Browns have learned to win ugly. This week, the embattled offense lost its quarter-billion-dollar man when Deshaun Watson was placed on injured reserve. They’re also down all-world RB Nick Chubb and both their starting offensive tackles. Yet, the team rallied behind rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and held on to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-10 at Cleveland Browns Stadium today.
Thompson-Robinson is the third quarterback to win a game for the Cleveland Browns this season. The win lifted the Cleveland Browns to 7-3, bringing them to within a half-game of the Baltimore Ravens in the race for the AFC North. The Browns have now won four straight and five out of their last six.
Can Dorian Thompson-Robinson Save the Cleveland Browns Season?
Dorian Thompson-Robinson started off hot for the Cleveland Browns and ended the first half having completed 13 of his 19 passes. Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, who doubles as the offensive play-caller, was protecting his rookie quarterback. The play calls emphasized short passes, quick reads, and getting the ball out quickly. Indeed, the ferocious Pittsburgh pass rush was limited to just a single sack on the day.
The Steelers caught on in the second half, however. Dorian Thompson-Robinson only completed seven of his first 20 after halftime, with an interception. The Browns didn’t try a shot downfield all game, allowing the Steelers to keep their players close to the line of scrimmage. Ultimately, that also hurt the run game, with both running backs Kareem Hunt and Jerome Ford limited to 36 and 31 yards, respectively.
If the Cleveland Browns are going to continue to win, they will need to account for the lost offensive tackles and allow Dorian Thompson-Robinson to look deep occasionally. Thompson-Robinson’s longest completion to a wide receiver Sunday came on the final drive. Needing to push downfield with just 1:18 on the clock, Dorian Thompson-Robinson completed four straight passes to put his team in field goal range.
Dustin Hopkins for MVP?
The Cleveland Browns were all in on former fourth-round kicker Cade York… until his horrific preseason. The team swung a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers for Dustin Hopkins, who had just lost a camp battle. Hopkins could turn out to be the Cleveland Browns MVP, as he has been one of the best kickers in the NFL in 2023. He’s made 26 of 29 field goals and has booted a last-minute game-winner each of the last two weeks.
Nick Chubb Returns
Running back Nick Chubb returned to Cleveland Browns Stadium today. Chubb was introduced to a surprised crowd, following the defensive players onto the field. He emerged on crutches, smiling and egging on the crowd, who cheered his name. Chubb had a second knee surgery this week and is expected to return to the field in 2024.
An Old Foe Joining the Cleveland Browns?
On Friday, the Cleveland Browns worked out former Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. It’s widely rumored that Flacco will join the team’s practice squad on Monday. Flacco is a famous Brown-killer, with an 18-3 record against the team. He will likely act as the team’s third quarterback and a veteran mentor for Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s Next Tests
Dorian Thompson-Robinson and the Cleveland Browns will be out west for the next two weeks. First, they take on the resurgent Denver Broncos on Sunday, November 26, and then the Los Angeles Rams the following week. The latter could be a bit of a homecoming for Thompson-Robinson, who played for UCLA for five years.
Main Photo:[Ken Blaze] – USA Today Sports
