CINCINNATI — Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s first start of the 2024 season did not resolve any of the ongoing questions about the Cleveland Browns’ long-term quarterback situation. The second-year player, making his fourth career start, struggled throughout Sunday’s game, throwing two interceptions and being sacked five times in a 24-6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He finished the game with 157 passing yards and 49 rushing yards.
Despite these difficulties, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski remained supportive of his quarterback. “Yeah, I thought he made some plays with his feet,” Stefanski said. “We got the quarterback out of the pocket a few different times, so I thought he made some plays. Obviously, they pressured him.”
Stefanski also confirmed that Thompson-Robinson would remain the starting quarterback for the next week’s game against the Miami Dolphins. The Browns are in search of stability at the quarterback position after Jameis Winston’s benching, following a series of poor performances, and Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury. Watson’s substantial guaranteed contract has been a burden on the team, complicating the decision-making process moving forward.
In Sunday’s game, Thompson-Robinson’s struggles were evident. He had moments of promise, such as an 11-yard touchdown run that was nullified by a holding penalty, and a 12-yard pass to David Njoku on fourth-and-8. However, his mistakes, including two interceptions and missed opportunities, proved costly. After the game, Thompson-Robinson acknowledged, “It wasn’t a good game. I know we had good moments, but good moments don’t win football games. We were harping all week on turnovers. I had two myself.”
The loss also exposed issues with the team’s protection, as the offensive line allowed five sacks and committed five penalties, totaling 41 yards. Despite the adversity, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy remained optimistic. “It’s only one game. We’ll look at the mistakes and move on from there,” said Jeudy, who had two catches for 20 yards after previously topping 100 yards in three of his last five games with Winston.
Thompson-Robinson also dealt with a minor calf injury in the first quarter, but Stefanski reported that he appeared healthy for the remainder of the game. “The quarterback is there to play a complete full game and lead his team to victory,” Thompson-Robinson said. “I did not do so today. At the end of the day, we lost this game on turnovers. I have to do a better job.”
As the Browns continue to navigate their quarterback uncertainty, this game leaves many questions unanswered. Thompson-Robinson will look to rebound against the Miami Dolphins, but Cleveland’s search for long-term stability at quarterback remains ongoing.
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