Browns to Bench Jameis Winston, Start Dorian Thompson-Robinson vs. Bengals
After a disappointing start to the season, the Cleveland Browns have decided to make a change at quarterback. Jameis Winston, who was signed to a two-year, $25 million contract in March, will be benched in favor of backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The move was announced by head coach Kevin Stefanski on Wednesday.
Winston’s Struggles
Winston has struggled mightily in his first five games with the Browns. He has completed just 58.3% of his passes for 1,023 yards, with only four touchdowns and five interceptions. His quarterback rating of 74.6 ranks 28th in the NFL.
Winston’s turnovers have been particularly costly for the Browns. He has thrown five interceptions, which have led to 14 points for opposing teams. The Browns have also struggled to convert third downs with Winston under center, converting just 32.4% of their attempts.
Thompson-Robinson’s Opportunity
Thompson-Robinson, a former four-star recruit out of Las Vegas, will get his first NFL start on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. He has appeared in three games this season, completing 6 of 10 passes for 59 yards and a touchdown.
Thompson-Robinson is a mobile quarterback who can make plays with his legs. He rushed for 244 yards and four touchdowns in his final season at UCLA. The Browns are hoping that his athleticism can provide a spark to their offense.
Stefanski’s Explanation
Stefanski explained his decision to bench Winston in a press conference on Wednesday. He said that the Browns need to see more consistency and production from the quarterback position.
“We’re not where we want to be offensively,” Stefanski said. “We need to be more consistent, we need to be more efficient, and we need to score more points. We think that Dorian gives us the best chance to do that right now.”
Outlook for the Browns
The Browns enter Sunday’s game against the Bengals with a 2-3 record. They are currently in third place in the AFC North, behind the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals.
The Browns have a tough schedule remaining, with games against the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs still to come. They will need to improve their play significantly if they want to make a run at the playoffs.
Conclusion
The Browns’ decision to bench Jameis Winston is a sign that they are not satisfied with the team’s performance. Dorian Thompson-Robinson will get the opportunity to prove that he can be the quarterback that leads the Browns to success.