Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson not ‘wide-eyed anymore’

“I know what to anticipate now,” he confidently stated on Thursday. “I’m not stepping out there for the first time — I won’t be wide-eyed anymore.”

The Browns made the decision to name Thompson-Robinson as their starter for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending fracture in his throwing shoulder. This incident occurred during the previous Sunday’s 33-31 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Thompson-Robinson’s first start in Week 4 against the Ravens, due to Watson’s rotator cuff strain, resulted in three interceptions and four sacks, ending in a 28-3 loss. Despite the rough outing, Thompson-Robinson emphasized that he has learned a lot from that experience and is better prepared for the upcoming game against the Steelers.

“I know what it takes now to be an NFL quarterback, not just a college quarterback,” he expressed. “I believe I’ve taken that next step.”

Thompson-Robinson’s journey to becoming the Browns’ starting quarterback began after being drafted with a fifth-round pick out of UCLA, following an impressive preseason and securing the No. 2 job behind Watson. However, after Watson’s injury, the Browns turned to PJ Walker, who won two consecutive games but had a critical interception in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Now, Thompson-Robinson is getting another shot at proving himself as the starting quarterback for the Browns.

“That was a tough spot that he was in,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said of Thompson-Robinson’s first start against the Ravens. “I think this week, having a full week of preparation, knowing that he’s going to be the starter, I think is important.”

The Browns are set to face the Steelers in a pivotal AFC North matchup, with both teams standing at 6-3 and trailing the first-place Ravens (7-3) in the division.

“You have to win,” Thompson-Robinson emphasized. “It’s a must-win game. Not only just for this week but for our future, what we’re trying to get to and the goals we’re trying to get to. So it’s a big game. At the end of the day, if I go out there and follow my rules, I’ll be all right.”