The Browns defeated divisional-foe Pittsburgh Steelers 13-10, thanks in part to rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. In just his second start, he drove the Browns down the field to set up a game-winning field goal. With more time to prepare than his first start, it seemed to pay off for the first-year quarterback.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson Makes Big Plays in Browns Win
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson finished the game 24/43 for 165 passing yards and an interception. He also ran the ball three times for 20 rushing yards. When it came down to the fourth quarter, he showed why the Browns took a chance on him.
With 1:18 to go and a tie game, he found wide receiver Elijah Moore on the first play for 15 yards. He then found running back Kareem Hunt for a five-yard gain. This had the Browns at midfield with just under a minute left to play. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson then found wideout Amari Cooper for eight yards before using a timeout.
After the win, #Browns players had high praise for Dorian Thompson-Robinson's effort, especially on the final drive to help get the team in field goal position and ultimately get the win. pic.twitter.com/rFrilqXHdI
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) November 19, 2023
His last pass attempt, besides a spike, came on a 11-yard gain to tight end David Njoku. This set up the Browns special teams unit up nicely at the 26 yard line. The Browns ran the ball two more times to get a little closer, before eventually kicking a 34-yard field goal to win the game.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson did not have the cleanest game, and that could have affected him in the closing seconds. However, it did not faze him one bit. He went 4/4, excluding the spike, to four different players on the final drive to help win the game. Confidence from his teammates was a huge part of why he played well, he noted after the game.
Quarterback Dorian-Thomspon Robinson Has Always Had the IT Factor
The Browns took their chance on him with the 140th pick in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Coming out of UCLA, it was evident quarterback Dorian Thomspon-Robinson had some skills, with swagger to add to it.
He played five seasons at UCLA and seemed to grow every year he was under center. He broke many records, and his statistics were off the charts. Thompson-Robinson finished with 10,695 passing yards and 1,827 rushing yards in his time as a Bruin. He added 88 passing touchdowns and 28 rushing touchdowns as well. Turnover-wise he threw 36 picks and completed 63.3 percent of his passes.
As his production increased, so did his confidence. His senior year he completed a career-high 69.6 percent of his passes, but also had his second-highest rushing total average-wise at 5.5. He was amongst the best in a variety of categories making him a sleeper for the draft.
With an injury to quarterback Deshaun Watson, quarterback Dorian-Thompson Robinson made plays when they mattered most. His first start in week four came on short notice, and led to quarterback PJ Walker taking over Week 5. Walker did not do enough to win the job as the second-string, which gave DTR another chance.
An emotional and triumphant Dorian Thompson-Robinson talks to our @EvanWashburn following his first @Browns win. pic.twitter.com/bczBsBrAYR
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 19, 2023
It is safe to say Deshaun Watson has the greatest floor and ceiling of the group when healthy. However, Thompson-Robinson will be a solid option for a team with playmakers on both sides to help him out. He has been named the starter for next week, and will likely finish out the year at the helm.
Main Image: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
