Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, entered the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night early in the second half. The fifth-round pick directed two touchdown drives in the Browns’ 21-16 victory over the New York Jets.
A five-year starter at UCLA, Thompson-Robinson showed calmness in the pocket, agility to make plays when the play fell apart, good accuracy, and enough arm to fit the ball in. He completed 8 of 11 passes for 82 yards and 1 touchdown. He finished with a passer rating of 124.1 and didn’t get sacked.
In the third quarter, DTR replaced Kellen Mond and promptly guided the Browns on an 11-play, 88-yard touchdown drive, using both his arm and legs to advance the ball. Demetric Felton Jr.’s 16-yard touchdown run was the drive’s final play, and Thompson-Robinson provided a crucial block.
Two drives later, Austin Watkins Jr. caught a dart from DTR for a 22-yard touchdown. After the Browns ran the same play with Mond in the first half, the rookie said he knew the play would be open.
That’s exactly the kind of response you want to get from a rookie quarterback. the capacity to see something, understand it, and employ it in a game.
It was a preseason game, the first one in which only a small number of regulars took part. Yes, DTR faced opponents that most likely won’t be included on the Jets’ original 53-man roster. Yes, it doesn’t really matter.
BUT…
Thompson-Robinson performed as one would expect of a rookie quarterback selected in the late rounds. He maneuvered past the third and fourth backup defenders. He appeared to belong.
With so many things going on during the preseason, many inexperienced quarterbacks have trouble early on. DTR appeared composed and knew where to go with the ball because he had started 48 games for UCLA. The groundwork is already in place for DTR to land a job, while there are undoubtedly certain things to polish and essential aspects of his game and motion to grow.
Nobody is implying that he will unseat Deshaun Watson the next week. Nobody is even implying that he is an heir. DTR, though, proved he can play. To guarantee his place on the Browns roster, he must now repeat the feat in the final three preseason games.
