After a rough 2022 season that saw a lot of turmoil and a disappointing 7-10 record, the Cleveland Browns are hopeful and optimistic heading into 2023. Starting quarterback Deshaun Watson’s suspension is behind him, and the team hopes that all distractions surrounding them are a thing of the past as they focus on winning football games.
However, outside of Watson, their quarterback situation is murky at best. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson seems to be taking the league by storm with his preseason performances so far, but right now, the Browns’ backup quarterback is tabbed to be NFL journeyman Joshua Dobbs. Let’s take a look at Dobbs before Thursday night’s preseason kickoff with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Joshua Dobbs Looking for Stability
Dobbs is going into his sixth season in the NFL and will be doing so with his fourth different team, some of which he has multiple stints with through that time. Dobbs’ NFL career started with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was drafted by the franchise in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Dobbs’ first time in Pittsburgh lasted only two seasons and began the journey that he is currently on with back-and-forth team jumping.
After his tenure as a Steeler ended, Dobbs spent time with Jacksonville Jaguars, followed by a brief return to the Steelers before being cut once again and signing with the Browns.
Eventually, Dobbs was waived by the Browns and wound up signing with the Tennesee Titans, where he would finish the 2022 season.
Fast forward to now, and Dobbs is back in Cleveland for a second chance with an inside track to being Watson’s backup. And if all goes well, he’ll hope to stick around and stay a while.
Could a Rookie Run Dobbs Out of Town?
Thompson-Robinson has been a preseason darling so far. Starting on the national stage during the Hall of Fame Game, DTR dazzled the crowd with precision throws and big-time runs.
In his first action against the New York Jets, Thompson-Robinson finished 8 of 11 with 82 yards passing and one touchdown to go with six rushing attempts for 36 yards. He followed the performance by going 9 of 10 for 102 passing yards and one touchdown against the Washington Commanders.
Dobbs is extremely intelligent and has an NFL pedigree, so his status should be safe for now. However, there may be a rookie creeping up behind him that could have him on the move once again.