Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s Rough NFL Debut Raises Questions About His Pro Future

Former UCLA Bruins star quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson had his long-awaited pro debut for his new team on Sunday. The highly-anticipated moment did not unfold as many fans of the Blue and Gold had hoped.

In a game where Thompson-Robinson filled in for the injured Deshaun Watson, the result was far from ideal. The team suffered a crushing 28-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, which dropped them to a .500 record (2-2) in the early stages of the season.

Thompson-Robinson, a 23-year-old talent whom Cleveland had drafted as the 140th pick this summer, had quite the uphill battle in adapting to the NFL level. In his debut, he managed to pass for a total of 121 yards. Completing 19 out of 36 attempts, he faced adversity as he was intercepted three times during the game. His quarterback rating of 18.7 was a stark indicator of the challenges he encountered.

Despite the daunting performance, Thompson-Robinson handled the post-game questions with admirable poise and grace. He displayed a clear understanding of the hard work that lay ahead if he aimed to become a reliable backup to Cleveland’s star quarterback, whose contract boasts an impressive $230 million value.

When asked about his readiness for a starting role in the upcoming weekend, the 6’2″, 205-pound rookie exuded confidence. His determination to rise to the challenge was evident, suggesting that he was prepared to step up if called upon once again.

“The reason why I’m most frustrated: this organization, this team, everybody from the draft process on up, has put their faith in me, especially being the No. 2. And today was not it. Today is not what the picture of a No. 2 quarterback should look like. So that’s why I said it’s a collective thing, it’s not just one or two people, one or two positions,” Thompson-Robinson said. “A lot of that goes to me ’cause I touch the ball every play, so… there’s just a lot I have to clean up.”

Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s journey into the NFL has certainly started with its share of difficulties. While his debut may not have lived up to the high expectations, it’s important to remember that every great career has its beginnings. As he continues to hone his skills and gain valuable experience, the future remains uncertain but full of potential for this talented young quarterback.

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