Week 4 marked the first regular season action for Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, as the rookie saw the start in place of the injured Deshaun Watson. The former’s performance led to questions about Cleveland’s decision to trade away veteran passer Josh Dobbs, one the organization is satisfied with. 
The Cardinals traded for Dobbs in late August, putting him in position to serve as their starting signal-caller until the return of Kyler Murray. While the move reunited Dobbs with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing (who previously served as the Browns’ QBs coach), Arizona’s offer came as a surprise to Cleveland. The sides were quickly able to work out a deal, though, leaving the latter team short on experience under center.
Thompson-Robinson went 19-of-36 for 121 scoreless yards in a Week 4 loss to the Ravens, throwing three interceptions and taking four sacks. The fifth-rounder’s struggles were understandable in his debut, but they notably contrasted with his encouraging performances in training camp and the preseason. They also stood out when compared to Dobbs, who has posted a 4:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 99.4 passer rating in Arizona.
“In terms of trading Josh, obviously we had a high opinion of Josh,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said of the trade, via cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. “I’ve often talked up here about the general manager’s role having a foot in the present and a foot in the future. That consideration, in that transaction, has elements of that… We’re really excited to work with Dorian and see him progress and develop. But thought it was the right move for the organization, both short and long term.”
Indeed, many pointed to Thompson-Robinson as the Browns’ eventual QB2 despite Dobbs’ presence, so moving on from the more experienced option helped accelerate his move up the depth chart. Berry confirmed his confidence in Thompson-Robinson as the team’s long-term Watson understudy, adding that he discussed the proposed Dobbs trade with head coach Kevin Stefanski before authorizing it. While much of Cleveland’s success in 2023 and beyond will be tied to Watson’s level of play when healthy, the team remains comfortable with its backup options (which currently includes P.J. Walker) behind him.
Still sad that Steelers gave up on Dobson.
No backup QB has value when you just gave $230 million to the expected starter.
Not sure that logic makes much sense… When Brock Purdy went down in the playoffs last year, it didn’t matter if he was making $230M or the league minimum. His backup was Josh Johnson who just flat out stunk that day.
CYA statement. Getting two late-round picks for a player who may be better than the $230 million sexual predator leading the team doesn’t sit well with many fans. Baker’s having a great year, too.
Which of those brilliant fans thought Dobbs would be better than Watson 4 games in? Long season. Cleveland got into bed with Watson. They better hope he puts out.
Puts out…nice play on words…
It’s a bit early to give Berry criticism for this trade. Dobbs plays well when the Cardinals don’t ask him to throw much. As evidenced by the Giants loss, he does not play well when they stop feeding Conner. Dobbs hasn’t shown any promise until this year-he has less than 1000 career yards, and only this year has shown the ability to consistently complete passes. Even then, with the exception of the Dallas game, he doesn’t complete many long balls. Even in that Dallas game, he only threw for 189 yards. It’s way too early to make the assumption that Dobbs would be any good for the Browns, or even that he’s done well in Arizona. The Cardinals are 1-3, and Dobbs has only surpassed 250 yards once in those games. Their win against Dallas, again, saw him at his most effective when not throwing much.
Why do I say all of this? Because in the Cardinals’ best games, the win against Dallas and their close loss against New York, Conner had 98 and 106 yards respectively. The Giants game is interesting because, as I said, the Cardinals were winning when they leaned on the run game. In the second half, they started to throw and abandoned the run. As such, they failed to convert on their third down opportunities and lost the game.
It is clear how important that rushing attack is to Arizona. The Browns do not have a rushing attack right now. Without Chubb, their run game has looked lethargic. If Dobbs played in that offense, it is highly doubtful that his QBR would be what it is now. Plus, Dobbs is not a developmental prospect like Thompson-Robinson. I don’t predict that DTR will be good or bad, but he at least offers some potential for future development versus the journeyman vet. It was a good trade for Cleveland, and I think we’re letting the narrative get ahead of ourselves here. Dobbs still has a lot to prove as well. It’s expected to make fun of the Browns, but realistically speaking, it’s doubtful that Dobbs would offer them more than what they have, albeit in an easier to root for package.
What he said, I mean I guess, it was too much to read.
He overrated Thompson n didnt see Dobbs’ potential. That’s his only job is to evaluate talent n build a competitive roster. Got rook QB who’s way in over his head right now and u deemed em good enough to be your #2 QB.
Dobbs’ season debut was awful too. Once 4 was unable to play, the Ravens had won.
The deal with Watson will probably come back to haunt the Browns, in particular GM Andrew Berry. On the subject of Browns’ QBs, I find the signing of the past 4 to 5 QBs to be somewhat strange by Berry. Attempting to figure out his thinking and decision making on QBs.