Browns Make Perplexing QB Situation Announcement
The Cleveland Browns will make a final decision on their starting quarterback against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Browns are currently deciding between Joe Flacco and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who is in the concussion protocol for two weeks. Cleveland announced that he had followed protocol and was ready to go when his number was called.
Thompson-Robinson was initially named the starter after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury, but Flacco took over last week and provided a spark in the final game. “Both boys have trained this week, both boys have trained well and I have confidence in both of them. But I’m not going to name a starter,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Friday, Dec. 8. “I think we all know when the ball is rolling.”
As Stefanski noted, the Browns don’t have to name players until game day. Cleveland can delay drafting Jacksonville for either option.
The Jaguars also take their quarterback situation seriously. Trevor Lawrence is dealing with a sprained ankle and is doubtful to play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. He’s had limited practice this week but has made it clear he won’t be on the field if he feels he’s disrupting the team. “He feels good,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said Friday, Dec. 8. “It moved a little bit [Thursday]. Look at his condition today. Find out how Trevor is doing based on information from his medical team.
If Lawrence is unavailable, CJ Beathard will get the starting job for the Jaguars.
Browns praise development of Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
Most of the time the choice seems logical and postponing the final decision is a bit confusing. Flacco gives the offense a veteran attitude at the quarterback position, something the Browns haven’t had this season while Watson has been on the sidelines. He had a costly interception in the fourth quarter, but Flacco looked good there. Thompson-Robinson flashed in the preseason as a dual threat, but struggled to get the ball in big games. As a rookie, he started at shortstop against the Baltimore Ravens on October 1 and threw three interceptions in a 28-3 loss. Overall, Thompson-Robinson has passed for 429 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions this season.
Despite the mediocre numbers, the Browns praised DTR’s progress this season. “I think it will grow even more. He is a young player. I feel like I’ve gotten better since I’ve been on campus,” Stefanski said. “I think I understand the game. It’s a system that works as a group and it works at the line of scrimmage. I think I saw him make significant strides from the spring to your point, from the first snap to the last snap. I did. “I think he’s taken an important step,” he said.
Joe Flacco is encouraging the Browns to stay at this point.
After back-to-back losses, the Browns are in playoff contention at 7-5 in the AFC. Part of the Browns’ attraction to Flacco is his experience. He made 181 starts and won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens.
“Okay, listen. It’s really refreshing. “It’s really exciting,” Flacco said. “This is what you want. This is very important because there are always things going on, and when you sit by yourself and think about things in your head, there are always things you start thinking about, and you always hear people saying, “Stay where you are.” Stay exactly where you are.
The Browns are two games behind the Ravens in the AFC North standings and are one of many teams fighting for a wild card spot. Sunday’s win gave the Browns a positive boost as they try to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
