The Curious Case of Cleveland's QB Rotation: A Breakdown of Bereveska’s Unusual Approach

Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, August 22nd 2025 at 1:57 GMT by SB Nation
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The Cleveland Browns have a history of unconventional decisions, but even by their standards, the 2023 season saw an unusual wrinkle in quarterback management. While Deshaun Watson remained the nominal starter, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson found himself unexpectedly thrust into action for significant portions of games, leading to a rotating QB system that baffled analysts and fans alike. This isn't just about game planning; it’s a deeper dive into coach Kevin Stefanski’s evolving approach and the potential reasons behind allowing an inexperienced quarterback like Thompson-Robinson so much playing time.

The situation stemmed from Watson's struggles, both physically and performance-wise, throughout the season. After a promising debut in 2022, Watson appeared to be battling lingering effects from his previous injury and simply wasn’t connecting with the offense. The team’s record reflected this – a dismal start fueled by inconsistent quarterback play. Enter Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the fourth-round pick out of UCLA. While initially viewed as a developmental prospect, DTR quickly became more than just a backup.

The decision to allow Thompson-Robinson extended playing time wasn't presented as a direct indictment of Watson’s abilities. Instead, Stefanski framed it as an opportunity for evaluation and a chance to “see what he can do.” This phrasing, while seemingly innocuous, signaled a significant shift in strategy. It allowed the Browns to assess DTR’s potential without committing fully to him as the starter, while simultaneously providing a glimpse of what the future might hold if Watson continued to falter.

The results were…mixed. Thompson-Robinson showed flashes of athleticism and improvisational skills that Watson lacked. He extended plays with his legs and occasionally made throws that breathed life into an otherwise stagnant offense. However, he also demonstrated the inexperience expected from a rookie thrust into such a high-pressure situation. His decision-making was often questionable, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities. The games where DTR saw significant action were frequently chaotic, characterized by both exciting moments and frustrating mistakes.

One key element contributing to this unusual rotation was the Browns’ offensive struggles as a whole. The team's running game sputtered for much of the season, putting immense pressure on the quarterback position. This forced Stefanski to experiment with different approaches in an attempt to spark something – anything – that could generate positive results. Thompson-Robinson provided a change of pace, offering a different dynamic and potentially catching opposing defenses off guard.

The decision wasn’t universally praised. Critics argued that constantly switching quarterbacks disrupted the team's rhythm and hindered development for both players. Watson, already facing scrutiny, had his opportunities further complicated by the constant threat of being replaced. Thompson-Robinson, while gaining valuable experience, was thrown into the deep end without a consistent runway to improve. The lack of clarity surrounding the quarterback situation also created uncertainty within the locker room and potentially impacted team morale.

However, Stefanski defended his approach, emphasizing the importance of evaluating talent and adapting to circumstances. He pointed out that the NFL is constantly evolving, and teams need to be willing to try new things to gain a competitive edge. The Browns’ front office, including General Manager Andrew Berry, publicly supported Stefanski's decisions, highlighting the value of gathering information on young players like Thompson-Robinson.

Looking ahead, the quarterback situation in Cleveland remains complex. Watson’s future with the team is uncertain. While he has expressed a desire to remain in Cleveland and improve, his performance needs to significantly rebound for him to retain his starting role. Thompson-Robinson's development will be crucial as well. He demonstrated enough potential to warrant continued consideration, but he also needs to refine his decision-making and accuracy to become a viable starter.

The 2023 season served as an experiment – a bold, if somewhat perplexing, attempt by the Browns to navigate a challenging situation at quarterback. Whether it ultimately proves successful remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Kevin Stefanski’s willingness to embrace unconventional approaches and evaluate talent in unexpected ways has cemented his place among the more intriguing coaches in the NFL. The "DTR experiment," as it's become known, will undoubtedly be analyzed and debated for years to come, offering a fascinating case study in quarterback management and the ever-evolving landscape of professional football. It highlighted not just the challenges facing Cleveland’s offense but also the lengths to which teams will go to find answers when conventional strategies fail. The future of the Browns' quarterback room hinges on lessons learned from this unusual chapter.

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The Curious Case of Cleveland's QB Rotation: A Breakdown of Bereveska’s Unusual Approach