CINCINNATI — Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s inaugural performance of the season did little to clarify the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation for the future. In his first start this year and the fourth of his career, the young player endured a challenging outing during a 24-6 defeat against the Cincinnati Bengals. He managed to throw for 157 yards and rushed for another 49 but was sacked five times and tossed two interceptions.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski noted that Thompson-Robinson displayed some promise, particularly his ability to make plays while moving out of the pocket. “We got the quarterback out of the pocket a few different times, so I thought he made some plays. Obviously, they pressured him,” Stefanski remarked, affirming that Thompson-Robinson would continue to start next week as they face the Miami Dolphins.

Thompson-Robinson stepped in for Jameis Winston, who was sidelined after a disappointing stretch that saw him throw eight interceptions over three games. Winston was not active for the game due to a shoulder injury. The Browns are also dealing with the fallout from Deshaun Watson’s early-season Achilles tendon tear, which has raised concerns regarding his hefty $230 million guaranteed contract following a lackluster performance throughout seven games.

Having started three games last season and finishing with one victory, Thompson-Robinson expressed a desire to learn and improve. “I actually told Jameis, ‘I need you to tell me what I’m doing bad, even if I’m not doing something bad, get on me,” he shared. “I don’t like to be told what I’m doing good. I need to know what I’m doing bad. The good is going to come.”

Despite his struggles, there were glimpses of his potential during the game. Thompson-Robinson managed to escape pressure and delivered a crucial 12-yard pass to David Njoku on fourth-and-8 in the fourth quarter. However, a noteworthy 11-yard touchdown run was negated due to a holding penalty, leading to an interception in the end zone moments later by Geno Stone.

Reflecting on the game, Thompson-Robinson acknowledged the challenges they faced. “It wasn’t a good game,” he said. “I know we had good moments, but good moments don’t win football games. We were harping all week on turnovers. I had two myself.” The Browns, now with a record of 3-12, provided little support, with numerous breakdowns in protection and a total of five penalties amounting to 41 yards at critical times.

Receiver Jerry Jeudy commented on the overall performance, stating, “It was a tough game for everybody. It’s only one game. We’ll look at the mistakes and move on from there. We were on the goal line and got pushed back 20 yards on pre-snap penalties. We can’t be doing that.”

In the first quarter, Thompson-Robinson also tweaked his calf during a play involving a D’Onta Foreman fumble at the 1-yard line. While backup Bailey Zappe warmed up on the sidelines, he never entered the game, and Stefanski later confirmed that Thompson-Robinson appeared to be healthy.

“I did not do so today. At the end of the day, we lost this game on turnovers,” Thompson-Robinson concluded. “I have to do a better job.”