The Cleveland Browns fanbase has a new favorite quarterback after watching the 2023 NFL Hall of Fame Game.
For the first time since the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57, an NFL game was played. On Thursday night, the NFL held its first preseason game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, and it featured the Cleveland Browns taking on the New York Jets. The Hall of Fame Game is held coinciding with that weekend's Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
As is the case, considering that participants in the Hall of Fame Game have to play in four preseason contests in total, fans don't see the starters play. For the Browns fanbase, that meant quarterback Deshaun Watson would not play a down on Thursday night. Kellen Mond received the start but didn't exactly instill much faith in his play.
Then, electricity struck the stadium (maybe why the lights went out), as rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson entered the game and made the most of his opportunity. He threw touchdown passes, extended plays with his legs, and even threw down a lead block on a touchdown run!
Let's just say that the NFL world took a liking to Thompson-Robinson.
NFL world reacts to Browns rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson's incredible showing in Hall of Fame Game
Thompson-Robinson showcased his dual-threat, play-making abilities in college with the UCLA Bruins. So for UCLA fans, they have seen the type of performance he had at Canton.
In the third quarter, Thompson-Robinson entered an NFL game for the first time, and he made the most of it. He drove the Browns' offense down 93 yards downfield on 11 plays, culminating in a 16-yard touchdown run by rookie running back Demetric Felton. Thompson-Robinson helped out his UCLA teammate by laying down a huge block.
In the fourth quarter, with the Jets leading by two points, Thompson-Robinson gave the Browns the 21-16 lead on a 22-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Austin Watkins Jr. That would turn out to be the game-winning play for Cleveland.
On the night, Thompson-Robinson completed 8-of-11 pass attempts for 82 yards and one touchdown, while running for 36 yards on six carries.
As for Mond, he completed 13-of-19 pass attempts for 92 yards and a touchdown, while also throwing an interception.
The Browns will next play a preseason game on Friday, Aug. 11, against the Washington Commanders. This is also a home game, so Cleveland fans have the chance get to see what the rookie can do in person.