On January 4, 2025, the Cleveland Browns faced off against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, marking the conclusion of their challenging NFL season. With the Ravens vying for playoff positioning, the game took on additional weight for the Browns, who were already eliminated from postseason contention and were struggling with their own series of setbacks.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the Browns' quarterback, has had a season riddled with difficulties. With the team holding onto only three victories throughout the year, Thompson-Robinson's performance has become emblematic of the larger struggles faced by the franchise. This game against the AFC North rival Ravens was more than just another loss; it signified the culmination of Thompson-Robinson’s turbulent campaign.
This week, it was officially reported by the Cleveland Browns' head coach Kevin Stefanski, “Both DTR and Bailey Zappe will play on Sunday,” highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Thompson-Robinson’s ability to take the field effectively due to calf injury concerns. Despite questions surrounding his health, Thompson-Robinson took on the responsibility to lead the offense, having thrown 115 passes this season without scoring any touchdowns, plagued by six interceptions instead.
Thompson-Robinson's lack of production has been frustrating for the team and fans alike. Game analysts noted, "If you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all," which seemed fitting as Thompson-Robinson continued to struggle with passing accuracy and turnovers. He has been compared historically—highlighting his unfortunate distinction of being the first quarterback since Chris Simms to fail to throw for any touchdowns or reach 175 passing yards, all whilst completing more than 20 attempts over consecutive games. Such statistics paint the picture of his failing season.
Compounding Thompson-Robinson's struggles, the Browns' overall offensive efficiency dwindled as they consistently failed to break double digits on the scoreboard, with 16 points accumulated across their last three games. A season low was reached during the previous week’s 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The dismal performance raised serious questions about the direction of their offense and whether they could close out the final game of the season on any positive note.
Currently, with the playoffs out of reach, the Browns are left with few goals for the season's residue, possibly only aiming for higher draft picks, which might lead to restructuring the team’s future. The team’s record of 3-13 could potentially put them in drafting range for one of the top four picks, posing questions about whether relocating from Thompson-Robinson to another quarterback could provide a more stable future.
Given the present circumstances, there is considerable speculation surrounding whether the Browns might reconsider their quarterback options. A change was widely anticipated, especially with the connection of veteran Kirk Cousins rumored to be coming to Cleveland if the opportunity arose. Many understand the necessity for the Browns to take assertive measures to rethink their approach to the quarterback position, particularly after Jameis Winston’s exit led to such disappointing performances from Thompson-Robinson.
The implication of Thompson-Robinson's performance has become stark. Analysts assert vehemently, "At this point, there is no reason to bring him back, as it has become clear he is not an NFL-caliber quarterback.” Such statements, albeit harsh, may reflect the reality for the young player who entered the league with potential but has this season unleased disheartening results.
Thompson-Robinson’s NFL career had initially sparked hope among fans and the coaching staff alike, but the bleak statistics, including the completion rate of just 51.3% for the season and the obvious struggles to connect with his receiving targets, paint the picture of the bleakness taking hold of his tenure with the Browns. While he has displayed the capability to lead the league’s passing attempts, he has also led the league with failed endorsement due to lack of touchdowns.
Heading forward, the conclusion to the season brings more than just a disappointing loss on the field. It opens up discussions about Thompson-Robinson’s future and what lies next for the Browns as they prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Thompson-Robinson's time with the Browns may soon draw to a close, and with Cleveland at the crossroads, the decision to either invest time with him or pursue other options looms large.
Through thick and thin, whether or not he stays within the organization, Dorian Thompson-Robinson's story remains one of both struggle and resilience, as the NFL continues to evolve and the pressure mounts for those tasked with leading football teams toward success.